Crime & Safety

Batavia Residents React To Neighborhood Stabbing Incident

Locals became uneasy at the news, but at least one neighbor still feels safe in the area.

Batavia residents were shocked to hear of Sunday's stabbing incident on the city's west side.

Word traveled fast across social media and the Internet once police announced that they found two men with multiple stab wounds in a home early Sunday morning on the first block of North Van Nortwick Avenue. No charges were announced Sunday afternoon and no further information was released for the day.

Although police emphasized that it was an isolated incident, some comments were filled with worry on Facebook:

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Lee Ann Anderson: "What the heck is wrong in this area. Seems Batavia (has) more killing, stabbing so sad"

Jill Harder: "Yikes!!"

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Aaron Hollen: "I just can't believe it's happening in Batavia. Used to hear about it in towns like Aurora or Chicago."

Melissa Hayes-Murphy: "I have to be honest, this makes me a little uncomfortable."

The residents that lived right next door to the home were less forthcoming. One couple declined to comment as they said they were temporarily staying in the area. Another man returning home Sunday afternoon declined to talk to a Patch reporter.

"I've Never Had Any Issues"

While some residents are discouraged about how this represents the city, others remain calm even though they live across the street from the crime scene.

Dan Ruschke moved his family to Batavia in 1993. He's had one child grow up in the neighborhood and go onto college, and another one currently in middle school.

"I've never had any issues ... it's busy," he said, noting that his driveway empties out onto Wilson Street. "It’s not like we're isolated somewhere. If you’re doing something suspicious, it’s probably not the place you want to do it."

Ruschke was surprised to hear that this was the fourth stabbing incident in Batavia this year, but he nonetheless feels safe.

"Like the police said, I do think this is isolated," he said.


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Police Find 2 Men With Stab Wounds in Batavia Home


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