4 Chicago law enforcement officials are being honored for his or her swift response and decisive actions that led to the arrest of a person accused of brutally attacking and raping a girl in Belmont Cragin this summer time.
The Chicago Police Memorial Basis introduced that twenty fifth District Officers Alejandro Vega, Jesus Flores, Jasper Catalano, and James Witt have been named September’s Officers of the Month for finding and arresting 21-year-old Leyter Arauz-Medina minutes after the assault.
Based on courtroom data and prosecutors, the assault occurred round 3 a.m. on August 31 within the 2300 block of North Lavergne Avenue. The 54-year-old girl was strolling house when Arauz-Medina allegedly ran out of close by Blackhawk Park, grabbed her by the hair, and dragged her into an alley. Prosecutors mentioned he tore off her garments, instructed her she was going to die, and repeatedly slammed her head into the concrete till she misplaced consciousness.
When she regained consciousness, Arauz-Medina was allegedly on prime of her along with his genitals uncovered. The lady fought again, kicking him within the groin earlier than he threw her down once more and continued the assault, Assistant State’s Legal professional Michael Pekara mentioned throughout a detention listening to. A passing motorist interrupted the assault, prompting Arauz-Medina to flee.
The lady, nonetheless bare and bleeding, ran towards Fullerton Avenue in quest of assist. She finally reached a meals truck, the place employees gave her a blanket and known as 911. Responding officers discovered her affected by seen accidents and trauma.
Officers from the twenty fifth District relayed the suspect’s description, together with his distinctive coiffure. One other patrol unit noticed him close to Lamon and Fullerton avenues a short while later. When officers tried to method, Arauz-Medina allegedly ran however was captured after a quick foot chase. Police mentioned he was carrying among the sufferer’s clothes and a small quantity of cocaine.
Arauz-Medina, a Nicaraguan migrant who had been dwelling in Chicago for 3 years, stays detained whereas awaiting trial on costs of felony sexual assault and aggravated battery.
The Chicago Police Memorial Basis mentioned the officers’ teamwork “made an actual distinction for a 54-year-old feminine sufferer and a complete neighborhood,” praising them for his or her compassion and swift motion. “Because of their teamwork and dedication to this sufferer and neighborhood, a predator was faraway from the streets,” the inspiration mentioned in asserting their recognition.
Unique reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click on right here to help our work.
