Woman, 79, stabbed in Homewood hate crime, police say

HOMEWOOD, Ill (WLS) -- A 79-year old-woman is recovering after being stabbed in a south suburban grocery store in what police are calling a hate crime.

It happened Friday morning inside the Walt's Food Center in the 2300-block of 183rd Street in Homewood.

That victim was stabbed in the neck and also suffered a punctured lung. And prosecutors say she was targeted because of her race and age.

What happened at the popular grocery store, in full view of other people, is shocking to long-time customers.

"It's insane, it's crazy," said shopper Mark Soliday. "To actually just go out of your way to injure somebody like that out of sheer ugliness, it's horrific. "

It happened Friday morning near the pharmacy inside Walt's Food Center.

Prosecutors say 26-year-old Pol Danilov was shopping with his mother when he pulled out a five-inch knife and stabbed a fellow customer multiple times.

"Broad daylight. You've got to be aware of daytime and nighttime, don't you?" said shopper Dorita Crudup said.

Prosecutors say after the attack, Danilov remained at the store and was arrested. The elderly victim hospitalized and expected to recover from her wounds.

Danilov has been charged with attempted first degree murder and a hate crime, allegedly telling investigators that he targeted the woman, who is African-American, because of her race and age.

"Unfortunately we have people like that that act out," shopper Aldric Hinton said. "Thank God she didn't get killed."

Danilov lived with his mother not far from the store in a house decorated for Halloween.

A neighbor says he saw police at the home a week ago and witnessed Danilov bleeding in the back of an ambulance.

A source tells ABC7 Eyewitness News that the attack was captured on store surveillance video, which shows no words exchanged between Danilov and his victim, the attack occurring suddenly.

"I've been coming to this store for over 20-something years, and it's not going to stop me, but I'm going to be a little bit more aware of my surroundings. That's all I can do," said Crudup.

"There's always crazy people out there, but you can't stop living. And this is a wonderful establishment," Soliday said.

A Walt's manager referred all questions to police but said the store is cooperating fully with investigators. The suspect, Danilov, is being held on half a million dollars bond.