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Man Charged In Hammer Attack Near Navy Pier

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 28-year-old man has been charged with striking two women with a hammer as they were walking near Navy Pier on Tuesday.

Jawaun Westbrook, of the 400 block of East Ohio Street, was charged Thursday with two felony counts of aggravated battery, police said. He was due to appear for a bond hearing Thursday afternoon.

Around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Westbrook allegedly attacked two 55-year-old women who were walking on the Lakefront Path in the 500 block of North Lake Shore Drive. Police said he swung a hammer and struck both women in the face, then fled the scene.

Police quickly tracked him down and arrested him nearby.

The women were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital to be treated for their injuries, and have since been released.

Police said Westbrook is mentally ill, with a long criminal record.

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