A 69-year-old man arrested for allegedly trying to smother a teenage boy with a chemical-soaked handkerchief in broad daylight was released without bail last week — another eyebrow-raising decision in what critics say is a growing pattern of soft justice under Mayor Michelle Wu’s Boston.

The suspect, Willie Cowart of Dorchester, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (chemical handkerchief) after a chilling incident at the intersection of Dudley and Washington Streets in Roxbury around noon on July 28.

According to prosecutors, Cowart approached a 14-year-old boy, poured an unknown liquid on a red cloth, and attempted to cover the boy’s mouth with it. The teen escaped to Nubian Square and called police.

Cowart was located shortly after — still in the Hawaiian shirt he was described wearing, and still carrying the red handkerchief. The victim reportedly identified him on the spot. Police say chemical cleaning agents were later found in Cowart’s car.

Despite the disturbing allegations, a Boston judge released Cowart on personal recognizance — meaning no bail, no GPS monitor, and no further restrictions beyond an order to stay away from the victim.

His next court date isn’t until October 29.

No explanation was given in court for why bail was waived. A spokesperson for the Suffolk County DA’s office said the October hearing is related to a court-appointed attorney issue — not to Cowart’s release.

District Attorney Kevin Hayden called the incident “extremely disturbing,” adding:

“It doesn’t take much imagination to appreciate how frightening it was for this young man to be standing on a street corner and suddenly be accosted in such a bizarre manner.”

But for many residents, the bigger question is: How does someone accused of attacking a child with chemicals get cut loose the same day?

The case is already drawing fire online from those blaming what they call a culture of liberal judges, low bail, and no accountability for violent or bizarre offenders. Some have pointed to Mayor Wu’s political allies in the court system and her administration’s silence on the case.

No city officials have commented on the release.