iPhone Theft Followed By Stabbing

(CBS) — A Glenview teen who tried to help a friend retrieve a stolen iPhone has been charged with attempted murder for stabbing the alleged thief.

Winnetka Police Chief Patrick Kreis said officers took a dangerous person off the street with the arrest of 17-year-old Mitchell Silverstein. But WBBM has learned that Silverstein became involved in a struggle Thursday night on the 1400 block of Scott Avenue to recover a friend’s iPhone that had been snatched moments before.

The source told WBBM the victim of the theft jumped into the thief’s car as it pulled off to try to retrieve it and the car crashed. In the ensuing melee, Kreis said, Silverstein allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed the thief in the chest; the victim was hospitalized.

“There was nothing in that altercation that in any way could justify Mr. Silverstein’s pursuit and stabbing of the victim,” Kreis said.

WBBM has learned that the second person stabbed was the victim of the original iPhone theft. Kreis said that teen cut his hand when he tried to take the knife from Silverstein.

Silverstein is being charged as an adult with attempted murder and aggravated battery, crimes that carry a sentence of 6 to 30 years if convicted. Kreis said prosecutors could seek additional charges against Silverstein. Bond was set at $300,000.

Kreis said he anticipates no effort to seek charges relative to the theft of the original iPhone, although WBBM has learned that police are holding the stolen phone as evidence.

Asked by WBBM what an appropriate response would have been, Kreis replied: “Call 911.”