by The Chicago Times Staff
May 29, 2022
CHICAGO – A suburban man faces charges of attempted murder and felony arson in connection with setting man on fire.
According to police, Joseph Guardia, 27, of Melrose Park was charged with attempted first-degree murder and felony arson charges for setting Joseph “Walking Man” Kromelis on fire on May 25. Guardia was picked-up by police Friday after he was identified in surveillance video.
Kromelis, 75, also known as “Walking Man” had been sleeping in the 400 block of North Lower Wabash Avenue around 3 am when Guardia allegedly approached him and lit him on fire. A security guard near the incident rushed to aid Kromelis with a fire extinguisher. Kromelis was taken to Northwestern Hospital and later transferred to Stroger Hospital.
Guardia will appear for a bail hearing on Monday.
The Chicago Times 