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Walter Gonzalez |
Five males ranging in age from 17 to 26 were criminally charged tonight in connection with an early morning beating in West Rogers Park that left a man seriously injured, authorities said.
Chicago police said that a 41-year-old man was walking with a 40-year-old woman in the 2200 block of West Devon Avenue at about 1:30 a.m., when they crossed paths with the group of young men.
An argument erupted between the 41-year-old man and the group, leading one member of the group, Walter Gonzalez, 18, to punch the victim in the face, knocking him to the ground, police said.
The victim was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, where he was listed in serious condition for a head injury, police said. Police initially said that the woman with the victim was his wife, but later referred to her as a female companion.
Arriving officers arrested Gonzalez and four others. Gonzalez, of the 5000 block of North Western Avenue, was charged with one felony count of aggravated battery, police said.
The other four suspects each were charged with misdemeanor assault, police said. They include: Terrance Kirksey, 18, of the 7200 block of North Damen Avenue; Jabar Azami, 26, of the 500 block of East Lawler Avenue in Wilmette; Timothy Wade, 21, of the 3900 block of West Lexington Street; and an unnamed 17-year-old boy. The 17-year-old was charged as a juvenile, police added.
Jim Touzios, manager of a nearby Fresh Farms International Market, said there are a lot of youths in the area, but he wasn't aware of any problems.
"In the summertime, there are a lot of kids running up and down the street," Touzios said.
Gonzalez is expected to appear before a judge Sunday, while the other four suspects were given June court dates.
Tribune reporter Robert McCoppin contributed.