A man was taken into custody Tuesday after witnesses intervened in an attack that left a woman submerged in the koi pond at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie, police said. Officers were called to the shopping center shortly after 11 a.m. following reports of an attempted robbery. Witnesses told police the man had tried to take the woman’s purse before pushing her into the pond and holding her head underwater. Police said their preliminary investigation found that the pair crossed paths near the pond and that the man struck the woman with a bag before pushing her into the water. Witnesses separated the man from the woman before officers arrived. Initial reports that the man had a handgun were not substantiated, police said. The woman was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries. The man remained in custody, according to police. No names or further information about possible charges were provided in the available details. Westfield Old Orchard said Tuesday afternoon that the matter remained active and that Skokie police were investigating. The mall said the safety of visitors, retailers and employees was its top priority. Anyone with information can contact Skokie police at 847-982-5900, call the 24-hour Crime Tip Hotline at 847-933-TIPS (8477), or text “Skokie” and a tip to 226787.