Man Charged After Brutal Millennium Park Attack

Garland Benton, a 45-year-old Crystal Lake resident, has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery, sexual abuse, and attempted sexual assault. The charges stem from an incident that occurred around 6:35 a.m. on Monday at a parking garage near 30 North Michigan Avenue.

Prosecutors detailed that Benton allegedly attacked a 20-year-old woman shortly after she parked her vehicle, throwing her to the ground and removing some of her clothing. The victim's coworker and at least three other witnesses attempted to intervene, with Benton also injuring the coworker during the struggle. The attack was captured on surveillance video.

Authorities utilized surveillance cameras to track Benton in real-time as he attempted to conceal his identity and boarded a CTA Red Line train. He was eventually apprehended at the Halsted Orange Line stop. Benton was denied pretrial release due to a criminal history dating back to 1998, including prior convictions for aggravated battery and assault against women.

The victim was transported to a hospital and reported in good condition. At the time of his arrest, Benton possessed a one-way train ticket to Kansas City, though his ultimate destination remains unclear.