STERLING, Ill. — A 27-year-old man faces several charges for allegedly stabbing a man and a woman after setting a garage on fire Saturday morning, according to the Sterling Police Department.
Police say the incident happened just before 6:30 a.m. when officers were dispatched to the 800 block of West 19th Street in reference to a disturbance.
Once at the scene, officers found the suspect, Matthew R. Martinez of Sterling, outside of the residence. Officers found the victims inside the house with multiple lacerations and stab wounds as well as an ongoing fire in the attached garage.
Officers detained Martinez and gave aid to the victims until EMS responders and the Sterling Fire Department arrived.
The woman was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening wounds while the man was transported to another hospital. His condition is unknown, according to the police department press release.
Martinez allegedly forced entry into the house and assaulted the man and woman after starting the garage fire. Police say he had a prior relationship with the woman.
Martinez faces two counts of aggravated battery and home invasion for the crimes.
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