CHICAGO — A 36-year-old man with a violent criminal past is facing both state and federal charges after allegedly attacking three women in separate incidents in Lakeview and the Loop on Tuesday. The assaults, which occurred within a two-hour window, have shaken residents and prompted swift legal action from city and federal authorities.
Lakeview Woman Attacked While Walking Dog
The first attack occurred around 11 a.m. Tuesday in the 600 block of West Waveland Avenue, according to Cook County prosecutors. A woman walking her dog saw a man, later identified as Joshua Rowell, approaching. As she stepped aside to let him pass, Rowell allegedly punched her in the head without warning, causing her to fall and drop her dog’s leash.
Rowell continued to beat the woman as she lay on the ground, striking her at least nine times, according to video surveillance reviewed by detectives. Witnesses were drawn to the woman’s screams, and one recalled Rowell threatening her as well, saying she would “be next.”
The victim suffered significant facial injuries, including a displaced nasal bone fracture, and was transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she received stitches under her eye.
Loop Incidents: Federal Clerk and Another Woman Targeted
Roughly five hours later, at around 3:45 p.m., a federal court law clerk standing outside the Dirksen Federal Building on South Dearborn Street was punched in the head by a man fitting Rowell’s description. The victim, who was acting in an official government capacity, stumbled into traffic on Jackson Boulevard and later received treatment for a concussion at a nearby hospital.
Only 20 minutes after that, a third woman, aged 20, was punched in the face while walking in the 900 block of South Wabash Avenue. She was treated at Insight Hospital, and gave a detailed description that allowed patrol officers to locate and stop Rowell near the Roosevelt CTA station shortly thereafter.
Suspect Identified Through Citywide Alert
According to police, investigators had already issued a “seeking to identify” alert citywide following the Lakeview incident. When officers detained Rowell based on the third victim’s description, they quickly connected him to all three attacks.
Authorities recovered a 9mm bullet from Rowell’s possession, though no firearm was found.
Criminal Charges Filed at State and Federal Levels
Rowell now faces a combination of state and federal charges, including:
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Aggravated Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm
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Aggravated Battery in a Public Place
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Possession of Ammunition by a Felon
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Assault of a Federal Employee
During his Thursday detention hearing, prosecutors highlighted Rowell’s violent criminal history. He was sentenced to two five-year prison terms in 2021 for domestic battery. Prior convictions include possessing a stolen motor vehicle in 2014 and a controlled substance in 2018.
Public Safety Concerns and Community Response
The random nature of the attacks — all occurring in public places during daylight hours — has alarmed residents and local officials alike. “This was not targeted. This was indiscriminate violence,” one law enforcement source said.
The fact that one of the victims was a federal employee outside a courthouse has drawn particular concern from federal authorities, who moved quickly to file separate charges.
Have you or someone in your community experienced a similar public safety threat in Lakeview, the Loop, or surrounding areas? Share your story or learn how to stay safe in Chicago’s public spaces by visiting ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
