Share and Follow
A 53-year-old resident of Bensenville faces serious allegations after being accused of attempting to abduct a woman with special needs from a Jewel-Osco store in the suburb earlier this week, as reported by DuPage County officials.
In an exclusive conversation with ABC7 on Friday, the victim’s mother expressed her relief and gratitude that she can still embrace her daughter, who has epilepsy, following the unsettling encounter with the suspect at the store.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Ismael Andrade Pino is now facing charges of attempted kidnapping, aggravated battery in a public setting, and unlawful restraint, according to a joint statement from DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bensenville Police Chief Brad Swanson.
“The allegations against Mr. Andrade Pino are deeply troubling,” stated Berlin.
Authorities reported that the 20-year-old victim was on duty at the Jewel store on York Road in Bensenville on Monday evening. While she was retrieving shopping carts from the parking lot, Andrade Pino allegedly approached her, demanding she accompany him to his car. After she refused, he purportedly obstructed her path, seized her by the neck, and insisted she follow him. Although he initially let her go, he reportedly stayed close and repeated his actions until someone exited the store, prompting him to release her again.
“It’s horrible… to have her here, come at work,” the victim’s mother said. “They wanted to take her right in the car… They saw her earlier at the store at Starbucks…and I guess he just came back… I’m just thankful that she was able to get away.”
That victim’s mother spoke with ABC7 about the terrifying kidnapping attempt that happened near the end of the 20-year-old’s shift,
“We saw video footage from the police officers. We saw how he grabbed her from the neck, and like, push her with his body toward where his car was,” the victim’s mother said. “And then, we saw people coming out of the other side of the door, and that’s when he let her go.”
SEE ALSO: After more than 40 years, woman reunites with family after allegedly being abducted by her mom
The next morning, Andrade Pino returned to the Jewel, and employees called the police. He was then taken into custody.
“Knowing that he wasn’t able to get away with it and just having her at home and safe was just everything for us, this holiday,” the victim’s mother said.
ABC7 has reached out to Jewel-Osco for a comment but has not yet heard back.
The victim’s family says she is back at work and is more cautious than ever.
Andrade Pino appeared in court Wednesday morning, and was denied pre-trial release. He is next due in court Jan. 20.
