Man With Parkinson's Fights Off Attacker In Lincoln Park

CHICAGO — A 21-year-old man has been charged with aggravated battery and attempted first-degree murder after an assault on Chicago's North Side. A 79-year old man was attacked in Lincoln Park Saturday morning, authorities said.

Michael Masterson was jogging along the Lakefront Trail near Diversey just after 5 a.m., when a stranger began running toward him and yelling that he was going to kill him, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune.

Prosecutors said the attacker punched, choked, scratched and bit Masterson, who was able to break free twice, according to the report. After the second attack, Masterson was able to flee to a nearby condominium.

The attacker was later found asleep in the same grass where he attacked Masterson, police said.

Masterson is a former marathon runner who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease two years ago, according to the Tribune. He didn't let his diagnosis stop him from continuing his daily jogging routine.

Rokas Ablacinskas, 21, of the 2800 block of North Springfield Avenue in Logan Square, was charged with aggravated battery and attempted first-degree murder.

Ablacinskas was ordered held without bail during a Sunday hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.

He was scheduled to appear back in court Friday.

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