The police made a second arrest in connection with the vicious beating of a blind man outside a John O. Holmes houses elevator on the Fourth of July.

Doretha Thompson, 58, was charged with battery for allegedly attacking the legally blind 48-year-old.

The blind man was taken from the Bluff Street housing project to Provena St. Joseph Medical Center where he was treated for facial injuries.

Thompson was the second person arrested for allegedly attacking the blind man. Willie Williams, 57, was jailed on a charge of aggravated battery to a handicapped person.

Police Chief Mike Trafton said Williams punched the blind man twice above his right eye. When officers tracked Williams down at his apartment, he allegedly admitted to knowing the object of his violence was blind.

Williams also boasted that he "would do it again" if the opportunity to punch the blind man arose in the future, Trafton said.

Thompson, Williams and the blind man all live in the 401 N. Bluff St. building of the Holmes houses.

Williams grew angry with the blind man when he took to long for his liking to exit an elevator, Trafton said. Thompson apparently felt similarly.

"She hit him also," Trafton said.

Williams remains in custody at the Will County jail. He is being held in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Thompson was released on her own recognizance.