Motorists aid injured victim, stop attack in Fox Lake park

A 39-year-old man is in Lake County jail after attacking three people during a scuffle at Fox Lake’s Lakefront Park, police said.

Valhaua A. Johnson, of the 200 block of Grand Avenue, Fox Lake, has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery in a public place, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and aggravated assault after the attack at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Fox Lake Police Chief Mike Behan said.

Johnson, who takes medication for an unknown ailment, was drinking prior to the attack at the park at 71 S. Nippersink Drive, Behan said. A man was walking by the park when he noticed Johnson acting strangely, and asked Johnson if he was feeling OK.

Without warning, Behan said, Johnson punched the victim once in the face, then repeatedly kicked and punched him when he was prone on the ground.

Two motorists driving by the park saw the attack, stopped their car to help the victim and dialed 9-1-1, Behan said.

Johnson produced a knife and began to lunge at the motorists to keep them from the victim, Behan said. At one point, Johnson turned his head and the motorists lunged at him, pushed him to the ground and held him until officers arrived.

Behan said no one was stabbed in the attack, but the initial victim was taken to an area hospital with unknown injuries.

“I am exceptionally proud of the citizens that stopped to render aid to the victim,” Behan said. “If it wasn’t for those two people being involved, who knows what could have happened.”

Johnson is held in jail in lieu of $50,000 bail, of which he must post 10 percent in order to be released on bond.