Misdemeanor charges filed in beating of 'The Walking Man'

Rosemary Regina Sobol ReporterChicago Tribune

Misdemeanor charges have been filed in the beating of Joseph Kromelis, a fixture on downtown Chicago streets who is known to many as "The Walking Man."

Perry McCarlton, 41, was charged with reckless conduct even though Kromelis was reluctant to press charges, police said.

Kromelis told police he was on Lower Wacker around 11 a.m. Tuesday and said "Hi" to someone he passed. That man began punching and hitting him with a bat, police said.

A Central District sergeant responding to a battery call saw McCarlton straddled over Kromelis, struggling with the bat, according to a police report. A witness told the sergeant the suspect also tried to throw Kromelis over a railing to the pavement about 20 feet below.

Star Member pinto (106,886 posts)
4. Not a clue. LOL, my sister stood me up for a lunch date today, so I'm winging it.

She just lost track of time or forgot. Retired after 30+ years of living by an appointment book (hairdresser) so I can't blame her.

worldfamouslois (2 posts)
97. DUer pinto has died

Hi everyone-I just finally figured out how to do this-I am a long time friend of his and his family.-If you want to contact me please feel free- I'm am new to this site, not sure how to navigate so I get your messages. Not to mention my grief is over whelming right now and life is a huge fog.

One thing I would like to have passed along is that if any one wants to honor his memory he would love it if you made a donation to SLO Bangers Syringe Exchange-He was instrumental in helping us stay funded to stay open from day one as our grant writer. He made sure we could provide access to free syringes,free HIV/HEPC testing and to provide naloxone to save lives. If you so feel inclined to do so you can contact me and I will give you info on how to do so.

thank you all !