Share and Follow
CHICAGO (WLS) — In a shocking revelation, prosecutors have outlined a brutal attack that unfolded despite several bystanders attempting to stop it. The suspect involved in the incident was denied pretrial release on Tuesday.
Garland Benton, a 45-year-old resident of Crystal Lake, faces charges including aggravated battery, sexual abuse, and attempted sexual assault.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Benton’s arrest took place on Monday morning at a CTA bus stop located near 26th and Halsted. According to prosecutors, he allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old woman in a parking garage near Millennium Park on 30 North Michigan Avenue at approximately 6:35 a.m. that day.
Prosecutors report that the victim had just parked her car when Benton allegedly seized her, threw her to the ground, and struck her in the face. He is also accused of removing some of her clothing and licking her upper body during the attack.
Authorities note that the victim’s coworker, who also arrived at the garage during the incident, attempted to intervene. Prosecutors claim Benton responded by knocking her to the ground, causing injury.
SEE ALSO: Teen boy charged after 15-year-old girl sexually assaulted at gunpoint in Ravenswood Manor: police
At least three other witnesses also allegedly tried to stop the attack. Some were hitting him with objects, prosecutors say, and eventually, Benton fled, but not before witnesses took some photos of him. The attack was also captured on garage surveillance video.
Prosecutors say police, using surveillance cameras, were able to track Benton in real time at the Monroe CTA station, where he allegedly put on a hat, scarf, and jacket to cover up his face and clothing before getting on a Red Line train. He was eventually tracked to the Halsted Orange Line stop and was arrested shortly thereafter.
The victim was taken to a hospital in good condition.
Prosecutors say Benton has a criminal history dating back to 1998 that includes convictions and prison time in Illinois and other states. Some of the charges include aggravated battery and assault in unprovoked attacks against women.
At the time of his arrest in this case, prosecutors say Benton had a one-way train ticket to Kansas City. Though, it is unclear if that is where he was headed next.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER | Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.