Bike Beating Victim Dies; Alleged Attacker May Have Charges Upgraded

Charges may be upgraded against a Ford Heights man accused of attacking another man for his bicycle.

The victim, Fred Barnes, 48, of the 1400 block of Park Lane in Ford Heights, died Saturday morning, officials said.

Bail had been set Friday at $2 million for Ronald Wade, who allegedly beat Barnes for his bicycle on Monday.

Wade, 18, of the 1000 block of Lexington Circle in Ford Heights, was initially charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, according to a release from the Cook County Sheriff’s office.

Around 9 p.m. on July 11th, witnesses said the victim and Wade were struggling over the victim's bicycle near the 1400 block of East 13th Place in Ford Heights, according to the release.

The argument and struggle escalated and Wade allegedly attacked the victim, using a chokehold. He allegedly beat the man and threw him to the ground -- causing multiple severe injuries to the victim's head.

The victim was initially transported to St. James Hospital,and later taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County because of the gravity of his injuries, the release said.

Cook County Sheriff’s Police detectives said they arrested Wade Thursday and that he admitted attacking the victim. He was charged with aggravated battery that day, according to the release.

Wade’s next court date is Aug. 3rd in Markham, according to the release.