A late-night attack in downtown Mount Prospect ended with a family wrestling a suspected assailant off a woman in her own driveway, according to authorities.
Mount Prospect police say a 35-year-old man was arrested after a woman was reportedly tackled and sexually assaulted in the driveway of her home in the village's downtown area on Jan. 17. Family members heard her screams, rushed outside, and pulled the attacker off her before officers arrived. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening, and the suspect was detained at the scene and now faces felony charges.
As reported by FOX 32 Chicago, the suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Andres Morales Gonzalez. Police told the outlet they responded to the 100 block of North Main Street around 12:33 a.m. and arrived to find a family member trying to pull the man off the woman. Investigators say Gonzalez tackled the woman from behind, slammed her head on the pavement, began strangling her, and then sexually assaulted her.
Police account
According to the Mount Prospect Police Department, responding officers quickly secured the scene and took Gonzalez into custody after the family intervened. The department says the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and that the investigation remains active.
Charges and next steps
As reported by FOX 32 Chicago, Gonzalez faces multiple felony counts, including aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, aggravated battery involving strangulation, and unlawful restraint. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 13, when prosecutors are expected to review the investigation and move forward with formal filings.
Legal implications
These are among the most serious sex offenses and violent crime charges under Illinois law. Aggravated criminal sexual assault is codified at 720 ILCS 5/11-1.30, and the aggravated battery statute that covers strangulation is set out at 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05. Unlawful restraint can be charged separately and may be treated as an aggravating factor during prosecution and sentencing.
Support and resources
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline and online resources at RAINN. Local hospitals and victim-services organizations can also connect survivors with medical care, counseling, and information about reporting options.
Mount Prospect police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the department's non-emergency line or submit tips through the village website at the Mount Prospect Police Department. This story will be updated as officials release additional details.
