Charges lessened in bathroom attack on child

BELLEVILLE -- A man suspected of attacking a 7-year-old boy in a southwestern Illinois department store's restroom won't face felony charges because the child wasn't physically injured.

That's the decision St. Clair County's prosecutor made in the case involving 40-year-old Robert Fricke of Red Bud.

State's Attorney Robert Haida (HAY'-duh) turned down a request by Fairview Heights police that Fricke be charged with felony aggravated battery of a child in Sunday's alleged attack at a Target store.

The boy screamed and kicked and was able to free himself, then ran to his mother.

Fricke is charged with a misdemeanor and free on bond.

Haida says Fricke has no criminal history.

Fricke couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday. A call to his home was disconnected by the woman who answered the phone.