A violent fight between two teenage girls in Morris took a dangerous turn on Tuesday night, leaving one injured and the other facing legal action. According to local authorities, an 18-year-old girl was stabbed during the altercation and later walked herself to the hospital for treatment, while the 17-year-old suspect fled the scene but later turned herself in.

Fight Breaks Out in Morris Neighborhood

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. in the 200 block of Waverly Avenue in Morris. Witnesses reported seeing two young women engaged in a heated physical confrontation. During the fight, the 18-year-old was stabbed, sustaining an injury serious enough to require immediate medical attention. Despite the severity of her wound, she managed to walk herself to Morris Hospital, where she received treatment.

Authorities have confirmed that the victim is now in stable condition and is expected to recover. However, the exact circumstances leading up to the fight remain unclear, and investigators are working to determine the motive behind the violent dispute.

Suspect Turns Herself In

While the injured teen sought medical help, the other girl involved in the altercation, a 17-year-old, left the scene in a vehicle. However, it wasn’t long before she decided to turn herself in to law enforcement. She was taken into custody without resistance and is now facing serious legal consequences.

The juvenile suspect has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Battery and has been transported to the La Salle County Juvenile Detention Center. Due to her age, authorities have not released her name.

Investigation Ongoing

Morris police have not yet disclosed what led to the fight or if any weapons were recovered at the scene. Authorities are speaking with witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage from the area to piece together the full story.

Residents in the neighborhood expressed shock over the incident, with some saying they had never seen such violence in their community before. Others noted that the altercation escalated quickly, with bystanders unable to intervene in time to prevent the stabbing.

Legal Consequences for the Suspect

The suspect’s charges of Aggravated Battery carry significant legal consequences. Depending on the severity of the injuries and other circumstances surrounding the case, she could face further legal action. In Illinois, Aggravated Battery is considered a felony offense, and even though she is a juvenile, she could still face severe penalties if convicted.

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old victim remains under medical care but is expected to make a full recovery. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether she will face any charges related to the fight or if self-defense could be a factor in the case.

Community Reactions

The incident has sparked concerns among local residents about youth violence and safety in the area. Some community members are calling for increased intervention programs to prevent similar altercations in the future. Others believe that social media disputes and peer pressure may have played a role in the fight escalating to such a dangerous level.

Parents and school officials have also been urged to have conversations with teenagers about conflict resolution and the serious consequences of violence. The Morris Police Department has reassured residents that they are thoroughly investigating the case to ensure justice is served.

What Happens Next?

As the investigation continues, authorities will gather more evidence and statements to determine the next legal steps. The 17-year-old suspect is currently being held at the juvenile detention center while awaiting further court proceedings.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials encourage anyone with additional information about the altercation to come forward and assist in the investigation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of conflict resolution and the devastating consequences that can arise from violence. As the Morris community processes the shocking event, many hope this serves as a lesson to prevent similar situations in the future.