Hammer Beating Ends in Attempted Murder Charge in Oak Park

Police have charged a 54-year-old man with attempted murder after he allegedly beat an Oak Park man with a hammer during an altercation Monday night, Oak Park police said Wednesday.

Odell Johnson, 54, whose address is not known, was arrested following the report of a fight between him and the victim, an ex—according to the Sun-Times, just before midnight Monday. 

The incident occurred near the victim’s apartment in the 400 block of South Maple Avenue, according to a news release from the Oak Park Police Department. The Sun-Times reports Johnson returned to his ex's apartment for dinner Monday night—despite an argument earlier that day—and hit the victim several times in the head with a hammer.

Johnson was charged with felony attempted murder and aggravated battery.

The 48-year-old-victim was transported to Oak park Hospital where he was treated for a broken nose and several lacerations that required stitches, according to the release.

Police say the investigation revealed that the victim and offender, who apparently knew each other, had been involved in a verbal argument that turned physical when Johnson began striking the victim about the head and body with a hammer.

Bond has been set at $100,000. Johnson is in the custody of the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.