An Elgin man has pleaded guilty to stabbing two people in a 2012 gang motivated attack at an Elgin business.

Andres Quinones, 20, of the 0-99 block of Aldine Street, Elgin, today agreed to a sentence of 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections in exchange for a guilty plea to attempted murder, a Class X felony, and two counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, each a Class 3 felony.

Circuit Judge Karen Simpson accepted the plea.

Shortly before 11 p.m. Feb. 18, 2012, Quinones and several friends were at a liquor store in the 500 block of North McLean Avenue, Elgin, when they encountered a group of males. Quinones and his friends, who are gang members, falsely believed the other group was members of a rival gang. Quinones and his friends began to yell insults at the other group. Three victims then were stabbed, two by Quinones. One of the victims suffered a punctured lung.

The sentence of seven years for the attempted murder, and the sentence for the aggravated batteries will run consecutively for a total of 12 years.

According to Illinois law, Quinones must serve at least 85 percent of the seven-year term. Quinones is eligible for day-for-day credit on the five-year term. Quinones receives credit for at least 905 days served in the Kane County jail.

“Mr. Quinones is fortunate he’s not facing murder charges. I hope young people see this case as an example that nothing good ever comes from street gangs. Our thanks to the many witnesses who helped to solve this case, as well as Detectives Tom Wolek and John Fennel and the rest of the Elgin Police Department’s gang unit.” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said.

The case was prosecuted by Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Alex Bederka.

SOURCE: Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office press release