Axe-Wielding Man Charged With Attempted Murder: Arlington Heights PD

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — An Arlington Heights resident is accused of felony attempted murder following an incident involving an axe Sunday morning at a downtown parking garage. Mitchell Nowak, 50, of the 1200 block of E. Woodford Place, was arrested and charged with a class X felony, which could result in six to 30 years in prison if convicted, in connection with the attack.

Bond in the case was set at $200,000 on Monday. Nowak is due back in court on May 12.

The victim, who complained of "numerous injuries consistent with the manner in which he was attacked," was treated at the scene by paramedics from the Arlington Heights Fire Department. Police said he declined further medical treatment.

RELATED: Man With Axe In Downtown Arlington Heights Arrested

Police responded to an emergency call at around 6:35 a.m. Sunday from a person who said they were being attacked by a man armed with an axe. The call generated from an emergency call box in the underground parking garage located at 35 S. Evergreen Ave. Police said the 911 dispatcher heard sounds indicative of a disturbance during the call.

When police arrived at the scene, they found an injured man lying on the ground at the municipal parking structure. He immediately identified Nowak as someone he knew and provided police with a description.

The victim said he was asleep in the underground garage when suddenly awoken by Nowak, who he said rode a bicycle over his legs. Nowak then proceeded to hit the man with both ends of a medium-sized axe while, stating his intention to kill him, according to police. The victim was able to reach the emergency call box during the attack. Nowak fled after the emergency call was placed.

Police officers familiar with Nowak checked locations where he is known to frequent. Shortly afterward, Nowak was found and arrested without incident.

Police said a subsequent investigation by detectives confirmed Nowak targeted the victim with the intent to kill him. Detectives reviewed the case facts with prosecutors from the Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney’s Office, who elected to charge Nowak with one count of attempted murder.

According to police, Nowak is also responsible for damage to property while in the Village’s downtown. This aspect of the investigation is ongoing.