In a courtroom development on Tuesday, prosecutors recounted a brutal attack that unfolded despite several bystanders’ attempts to intervene, resulting in the accused being denied pretrial release.
The accused, Garland Benton, a 45-year-old resident of Crystal Lake, faces serious charges of aggravated battery, sexual abuse, and attempted sexual assault.
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Benton was apprehended on Monday morning at a CTA bus stop located near 26th and Halsted. Authorities allege that he assaulted a 20-year-old woman in a parking garage close to Millennium Park at 30 North Michigan Avenue around 6:35 a.m.
According to prosecutors, the woman had just parked her car when Benton allegedly attacked her, throwing her to the ground, striking her face, and partially undressing her while inappropriately touching her upper body.
Reports indicate that the victim’s coworker, arriving at the garage shortly after, attempted to help but was also knocked down and injured by Benton.
In addition, at least three more witnesses reportedly tried to stop the assault. Some even resorted to striking Benton with objects. Although Benton eventually fled the scene, witnesses managed to capture photos of him, and the incident was recorded on the garage’s surveillance cameras.
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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