Man Charged After Allegedly Holding Woman Underwater in Mall Koi Pond
Authorities in Illinois have arrested and charged a 35-year-old man with attempted murder and aggravated battery following an unprovoked attack at a suburban Chicago mall.
William Dobbs, 35, faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery after allegedly attacking a woman and holding her head underwater in a koi pond at the Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, Illinois.
According to a Skokie Police Department news release, Dobbs, who did not know the victim, approached her near a Bath & Body Works store. Police stated Dobbs struck the woman with a bag and then pushed her into the pond. Bystanders intervened and pulled Dobbs away from the victim.
Witnesses initially reported that Dobbs may have been armed with a handgun, but police did not find a firearm on him during the arrest. The victim sustained a concussion, fractured vertebrae, and bruising to her left eye and arm, according to court documents.
Dobbs has been charged with one count each of attempted murder, aggravated battery to a senior citizen, and aggravated battery with great bodily harm by the Cook County State's Attorney.
Westfield Old Orchard Mall issued a statement emphasizing that the safety of its visitors, retailers, and employees is a top priority and confirmed cooperation with investigators. Dobbs appeared in Skokie Courthouse on Wednesday, with his next court date scheduled for November 6. He is currently being held without bail at the Cook County Department of Corrections.