Crime & Safety
Illinois Mall Attack: Man Allegedly Tries to Drown Woman in Koi Pond
SKOKIE, IL — A woman shopping at a popular Illinois mall was allegedly attacked by a stranger who held her head underwater in a koi pond Tuesday morning, leading to attempted murder and aggravated bat
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-14T19:18:28.145Z
SKOKIE, IL — A woman shopping at a popular Illinois mall was allegedly attacked by a stranger who held her head underwater in a koi pond Tuesday morning, leading to attempted murder and aggravated battery charges against a 35 year old man.
According to the Skokie Police Department , officers responded shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, to Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in suburban Cook County following reports of an attempted robbery and battery.
Investigators identified the suspect as William Dobbs, 35, of Skokie.
Police said Dobbs allegedly approached a woman near the koi pond at the north end of the shopping center and struck her without provocation using a saddle type bag.
The encounter escalated when Dobbs allegedly held the woman's head underwater in the pond , according to investigators.
Witnesses intervened and separated the suspect from the woman before police arrived.
Initial reports suggested Dobbs had attempted to steal the woman's purse and was armed with a handgun. However, police later confirmed that the reported firearm could not be substantiated.
Officers detained Dobbs at the scene.
The woman, identified in the charges as a senior citizen, was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non life threatening.
Authorities said the victim and suspect apparently did not know each other.
The Cook County state's attorney's office charged Dobbs with felony offenses including attempted murder, aggravated battery to a senior citizen and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.
Dobbs was scheduled to appear Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Skokie Courthouse .
Westfield Old Orchard management confirmed it was cooperating with police and emphasized that the safety of shoppers and employees remains a priority.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All charges are allegations, and Dobbs is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.