Man Charged With Misdemeanor in Beating of Chicago Icon ‘The Walking Man'

A 41-year-old man is facing a misdemeanor charge for allegedly attacking a local icon in Chicago known as “The Walking Man.”

Perry McCarlton was charged with reckless conduct in the beating of Joseph Kromelis, a man known to many who walk the city’s downtown streets as "The Walking Man" or "The Walking Dude." 

Authorities said the incident happened around 11 a.m. Tuesday on Lower Wacker Drive, when Kromelis was walking and had a conversation with a man who then began to strike Kromelis with fists and a bat.

Officers arrived at the scene and we able to separate the two, police said. 

Kromelis was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with cuts to his face and bruising to his body. The attacker was also taken to an area hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

Details on what prompted the attack weren’t immediately known, authorities said. Police said Kromelis didn’t want to press charges in the incident.

Kromelis’ nephew, Vytas Vaitkus, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for his uncle and the medical bills related to the attack.

As of Thursday afternoon, the page had raised more than $17,500.

Vaitkus said his uncle suffered serious injuries to his face and may not be able to “regain use of his eyes.”

"If he is left blind at this point, he is not going to be the Walking Man in Chicago," his niece Vilija Vaitkus said. 

Kromelis has gained fame among many Chicago residents, becoming a staple in the city as he walks up and down downtown streets day after day, with his unmistakable hair and mustache.

"Everyone. Everyone seems to know him," Vilija Vaitkus said. 

His family is hoping to raise $50,000 for his care. 

"The response has been phenomenal," said Vytas Vaitkus. "I'm truly amazed."

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