A McHenry County judge has ordered a 50-year-old Oakwood Hills man held in custody after prosecutors say he backed a car over a woman outside a home Friday, then ran over her again, leaving her in critical condition. Court records show the woman was airlifted to a trauma center and intubated. The suspect made an initial court appearance over the weekend and is due back in court on June 2 for a status hearing.
Prosecutors seek detention after alleged attack
According to CBS News, McHenry County State's Attorney Randi Freese called the incident "a horrifying act that left a woman with critical injuries" in a news release. Prosecutors identified the defendant as 50-year-old Pablo Contreras of Oakwood Hills and said he is charged with aggravated domestic battery causing great bodily harm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and leaving the scene of an accident with injury.
What prosecutors allege
Court documents reported by Northwest Herald state that Contreras got into a gray 2020 Volkswagen, shifted into reverse, and struck the woman, then drove over her with the car's tires. As he left the scene, he allegedly ran over her again. Witnesses told investigators the woman was left bleeding in the driveway and that two children were inside the home at the time, according to the filings.
Judge's order and next steps
McHenry County Judge Jeffrey Hirsch granted prosecutors' request to detain Contreras, writing in his order that the defendant posed a "serious threat" because he did not stop to help the victim and allegedly drove over her more than once, court records show. Contreras remains held while the case proceeds and is scheduled to return to McHenry County court on June 2. Officials say the investigation is ongoing and have asked anyone with information to contact the Oakwood Hills Police Department at 815-444-9456, according to CBS News.
Resources and context
Prosecutors said in court that the victim suffered severe injuries, including a crushed pelvis and a possible skull fracture, and that she was intubated while awaiting surgery, underscoring how quickly a domestic dispute can turn life-threatening. Those details are laid out in court filings and reporting by Northwest Herald.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Illinois Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-877-863-6338, according to the state's domestic violence review site. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
