A woman narrowly escaped a terrifying attack at a popular Illinois shopping mall after a stranger allegedly shoved her into a decorative pond and held her head underwater while horrified shoppers rushed to save her.
William Dobbs, 35, of Skokie, Illinois, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking the woman in broad daylight Tuesday, October 13, at Westfield Old Orchard Mall, approximately 16 miles north of downtown Chicago.
According to the Skokie Police Department, the attack unfolded shortly after 11 a.m. near a koi pond at the north end of the outdoor shopping center.
Investigators say Dobbs and the woman, who did not know each other, were walking through the mall when he suddenly struck her with a saddle-style bag without provocation.
Police allege he then attempted to steal her purse before pushing her into the pond and forcing her head beneath the water.
Witnesses described a disturbing scene as the woman struggled while her alleged attacker held her submerged.
One shopper told CBS Chicago that she initially thought someone was simply swimming in the pond before realizing another person was trapped underneath.
“We thought he was just swimming by himself until we came closer and saw a woman underneath the water,” the witness recalled.
Another witness described seeing the man restraining the woman in what appeared to be a headlock while her body was submerged.
Fortunately, several shoppers refused to stand by.
Two Good Samaritans reportedly jumped into the pond and helped pull the woman away from her attacker before police arrived.
Officers responding to reports of a possible robbery and assault quickly detained Dobbs at the scene.
The woman, described by authorities as a senior citizen, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite the frightening ordeal, police said her injuries were not life-threatening.
Investigators initially received reports that the suspect might have been carrying a handgun, but authorities later confirmed that claim was unfounded.
Following an investigation, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved three felony charges against Dobbs: attempted murder, aggravated battery to a senior citizen, and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.
The attempted murder charge reflects prosecutors’ allegation that the attack went beyond an ordinary assault and involved an intent to kill.
Dobbs was scheduled to appear at the Skokie courthouse Wednesday, October 14, for an initial hearing.
Westfield Old Orchard Mall acknowledged the incident in a statement, saying it was cooperating with investigators.
“The safety and well-being of our visitors, retailers and employees remain our top priority,” a mall spokesperson said.
The shopping center, a major retail destination in Chicago’s northern suburbs, remained open while police continued investigating.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victim or established what prompted the alleged attack. Police also have not confirmed whether the attempted theft was the primary motive.
The incident has drawn attention to the actions of the bystanders who entered the water and intervened before officers arrived, potentially preventing a far more devastating outcome.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Skokie Police Department at 847-982-5900.
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