3 injured in attack by man wielding "hatchet-like object" at Southwest Side McDonald's

CHICAGO (CBS) — Three McDonald's workers were stabbed on the job in Chicago—apparently with a hatchet. Hours later, neighbors called the police, saying the man had come back.

It happened just before 8:30 a.m. at the McDonald's at 7832 S. Western Ave. on the Southwest Side.

Chicago police said a man, 18, and two women, both 45, were inside the restaurant when an unknown male walked into the business and demanded free food from the cashier. When the victim refused, the offender displayed the hatchet-like object and began striking the three victims.

The 18-year-old was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in good condition. One of the women was also taken to Christ in serious condition. The second woman was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition.

"Man, this messed up," said Moe Cannon. "They don't mess with nobody. We go to this McDonald's every day, and they all cool people there."

Cannon said he spoke to the suspect before he went into the restaurant.

Hours after the incident, some called police to say the person who stabbed the three was back. A person was arrested across the street from where the crime was committed.

"He asked me for a dollar for some coffee," he said. "I ended up giving him a dollar and and I gave him a Newport. He had the axe on him. I didn't know what he was going to do."

Cannon said shortly later he saw the suspect walk out of McDonald's.

"I saw a little blood on the axe, and he was smiling. He was smiling and walking with the axe like this and eating a cookie," Cannon said. "Old girl had a hole in her head, and one lad was cut right here, and one boy, he was cut on his face, I think."

One person has been taken in for questioning.

Area One detectives are investigating.

The inside of the McDonald's remained closed Sunday evening, but the drive-thru was open.