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Charges Filed In Beating Of 'Walking Man'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A man has been charged with a misdemeanor in the beating of Joseph Kromelis, a fixture in downtown Chicago known as "Walking Man."

While Kromelis, 69, refused to pursue felony charges, 41-year-old Perry McCarlton II has been charged with one misdemeanor count of reckless conduct.

Kromelis' nephew has now started a Go Fund Me page for his medical expenses after he was beaten on the streets he has walked for so many years.

"The word that my wife got from the hospital was his eyes were almost gouged out," says Vytas Vaitkus.

"I know he doesn't have any money. He's basically been a street peddler his entire life, for as long as I've known him. That's all he's ever done," Vaitkus told WBBM's Steve Miller.

"He never really had a formal job or anything. He doesn't really have anything. My concern is he's going to be discharged from the hospital and, at best, he's going to have trouble seeing, if he regains his sight at all.  And I just think the money would be a great benefit to him."

Walking Man, Joseph Kromelis
Joseph Kromelis in happier times. (courtesy: Vytas Vaitkus)

Vaitkus says his uncle hasn't been in touch with the family for a decade. He says he was surprised to find out so many people knew Kromelis.

"I was amazed, literally amazed.  I can't believe he's had so much recognition just walking the streets of Chicago," he says.

So far, the family members have been unable to see Kromelis in the hospital because he has asked not to have visitors, CBS 2's Sandra Torres reports.

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