Man Accused in Shovel Attack Pleads Not Guilty

By Amanda Luevano

A Lockport man pleaded not guilty Thursday to attacking a sleeping boy and his father in unincorporated Lemont, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

Read: Lockport Man Charged with Beating Sleeping 10-Year-Old With Shovel

Nathan Hiatt, 29, was charged in July with two counts of felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He appeared Thursday at the Bridgeview Courthouse, where he entered his plea before Cook County Judge Colleen Hyland, according to the state's attorney's office.

On July 6, around 1 a.m., Hiatt allegedly struck a 10-year-old boy while he slept at a home in the 15100 block of 131st Street, according to the Cook County Sheriff's office.

The boy's 36-year-old father awoke to the child’s screams, and when he shielded the boy from the blows, the father was hit as well. Hiatt ran out the back door but was located in the front yard by police, according to reports.

The victims were treated at an area hospital for their injuries and were later released, authorities said.

Cook County detectives said the victims and Hiatt attended a get together hosted by the homeowner earlier in the day, but it was unclear what motivated the attack. 

As of Monday afternoon, Hiatt remains in custody in Cook County Jail on $250,000 bond. His court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 26, according to the state's attorney's office.