CHICAGO (WLS) — Prosecutors detailed a violent attack that continued despite multiple witnesses attempting to intervene. That suspect was denied pretrial release on Tuesday.
Garland Benton, a 45-year-old Crystal Lake man, has been charged with aggravated battery, sexual abuse, and attempted sexual assault.
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He was arrested on Monday morning at a CTA bus stop near 26th and Halsted after prosecutors say he attacked a 20-year-old woman inside a parking garage near Millennium Park at 30 North Michigan Avenue around 6:35 a.m. Monday.
Prosecutors say the victim had just parked her vehicle when Benton grabbed her, threw her to the ground, hit her in the face, and removed some of her clothing while licking her upper body.
Authorities say the victim’s coworker had also just arrived at the garage and tried to intervene. Prosecutors say Benton knocked her to the ground, injuring her.
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At least three other witnesses also allegedly tried to stop the attack. Some were hitting him with objects, prosecutors say, and eventually, Benton fled, but not before witnesses took some photos of him. The attack was also captured on garage surveillance video.
Prosecutors say police, using surveillance cameras, were able to track Benton in real time at the Monroe CTA station, where he allegedly put on a hat, scarf, and jacket to cover up his face and clothing before getting on a Red Line train. He was eventually tracked to the Halsted Orange Line stop and was arrested shortly thereafter.
The victim was taken to a hospital in good condition. Regular customers of the parking garage, the entrance of which is right across from the Bean, are surprised and concerned after the attack.
“I use it every week, and the first thing I thought was I need to start bringing my pepper spray because it’s something that you don’t expect,” said customer Lucero Romero.
“It’s scary. You know, there’s people that come in and out of here every single day, so it’s surprising to hear that this would happen,” said customer David Gershenzon.
Prosecutors say Benton has a criminal history dating back to 1998 that includes convictions and prison time in Illinois and other states. Some of the charges include aggravated battery and assault in unprovoked attacks against women.
At the time of his arrest in this case, prosecutors say Benton had a one-way train ticket to Kansas City. Though, it is unclear if that is where he was headed next.
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