CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Melrose Park man accused of lighting on fire the popular homeless Chicago character known as “the walking man” made his first court appearance Monday afternoon.
A Cook County judge denied 27-year-old Joseph Guardia bond for his alleged brazen attack of 75-year-old Joseph Kromelis last Wednesday in River North, near Trump Tower.
Prosecutors said Guardia stood over “the walking man” for 16 seconds before pouring gasoline on him. Investigators also said Kromelis was on fire for three minutes before a nearby security guard was able to put out the flames.
"In 16 years of prosecuting cases, I've never seen a video so horrific," said Assistant State's Attorney Danny Hanichak in a written statement presented during Guardia's initial court hearing.
Following a tip from a Melrose Park police officer who has known Guardia since childhood, Chicago police were able to track the suspect’s movements on the CTA and arrested him on Friday.
The 27-year-old confessed to the early Wednesday morning arson crime. Claiming he is an angry person, Guardia admitted in a recorded CPD video statement to grabbing a McDonald’s cup full of gasoline, pouring it on a pile of blankets, and then setting it on fire, but said he did not realize someone was under those blankets.
Prosecutors said “the walking man” is currently in a coma at Stroger Hospital, having suffered severe burns to over 50% of his body, and have been told by his doctors that they do not expect him to survive.
Joseph Kromelis has become well-known for his habit of walking around the downtown area, often wearing dress clothes and sporting a full head of long salt-and-pepper hair.
Six years ago, he was attacked and beaten while walking around the city.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
