STRANGERS RUSH TO SAVE WOMAN AFTER MAN ALLEGEDLY PUSHES HER INTO MALL POND AND HOLDS HER UNDERWATER

A visit to a shopping mall in Illinois turned into a terrifying ordeal when a woman was allegedly attacked by a stranger, pushed into a decorative pond and held underwater before several bystanders rushed to save her.

The disturbing incident occurred at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Police have since arrested a 35-year-old man and charged him with attempted murder and multiple aggravated battery offenses.

A Sudden Attack at a Shopping Mall

According to the Skokie Police Department, officers responded to reports of an attempted robbery and battery shortly after 11 a.m.

Investigators said the suspect, identified as William Dobbs, did not know the woman before the encounter.

As the two crossed paths inside the shopping center, Dobbs allegedly struck her without provocation using a saddle-type bag.

Police said he then pushed the woman into a koi pond located near the northern end of the mall.

Witnesses Realized a Woman Was Underwater

The situation became increasingly alarming when witnesses noticed that the man appeared to be holding the woman’s head beneath the water.

One witness told CBS News that people initially thought the man was swimming alone. As they approached, however, they realized there was another person submerged beneath him.

According to investigators, the confrontation involved an apparent attempt to steal the woman’s purse.

With the victim struggling in the water, people nearby recognized the danger and immediately intervened.

Good Samaritans Jump Into the Pond

Several bystanders entered the water to help the woman before responding police officers arrived.

Their intervention brought an end to the terrifying encounter and helped get the victim out of immediate danger.

Emergency personnel transported her to a hospital, where her injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed her identity.

Suspect Faces Attempted Murder Charge

Police arrested Dobbs at the scene following the incident.

He was subsequently charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery to a senior citizen and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.

He was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, October 14.

The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the charges do not constitute a conviction.

A Frightening Incident With a Remarkable Rescue

What began as an ordinary morning at a shopping mall quickly became a dangerous situation for a woman who, according to investigators, had no prior connection to her alleged attacker.

The incident also highlighted the actions of strangers who chose to intervene when they realized someone was in immediate danger.

Police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Skokie Police Department as the case proceeds.

Source: PEOPLE, October 14, 2026; Skokie Police Department.