A 61-year-old Lombard man is facing an aggravated battery charge after DuPage County prosecutors say he inappropriately touched a young girl while the two were in the lazy river at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park in Woodridge. Prosecutors allege the contact involved the victim’s lower body. The man was released from custody under conditions that forbid him from contacting the victim or anyone under 18 and bar him from returning to the water park while the case moves through court.
According to FOX 32 Chicago, DuPage County prosecutors identified the suspect as 61-year-old Ricky Karlic of Lombard and allege he “touched the victim’s buttocks with his hand while in the lazy river at Cypress Cove water park.” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin called the allegation “extremely disturbing” in a statement, according to the outlet.
What prosecutors allege
Prosecutors say the incident happened around 5:30 p.m. Friday in the park’s lazy river and describe the alleged contact as “physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature.” Karlic has been charged with aggravated battery in a public place, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2026, the State’s Attorney’s Office said. Those details were provided to reporters by the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office and are summarized by FOX 32 Chicago.
Legal context
Under Illinois law, aggravated battery is a more serious form of battery that applies when specific aggravating factors are present and can be charged as a felony with significant penalties. The Illinois Compiled Statutes outline the offense under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05, available via the Illinois General Assembly, and penalties vary depending on the subdivision charged. At this stage, the charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Park response
The Woodridge Park District, which operates Cypress Cove, did not have a public statement about the arrest on its news page as of publication. The district’s website lists programming for Cypress Cove and confirms the facility’s location at 8301 Janes Ave. in Woodridge. For updates and general park information, visit the district’s news page: Woodridge Park District.
What to watch next
Karlic’s case will proceed in DuPage County, with his next court date set for Aug. 3, 2026, when prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to appear before a judge. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact Woodridge Police for non-emergencies at (630) 719-4742, according to DU-COMM, and to call 911 in an emergency.
