In a shocking incident on the Northwest Side, a Nicaraguan migrant, Leyter Arauz-Medina, has been apprehended following grave accusations of attacking and raping a 54-year-old woman. The assault reportedly took place around 3 a.m. on August 31, as the victim walked in the 2300 block of North Lavergne Avenue.

Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Pekara told the court that surveillance footage captured the harrowing moments when Arauz-Medina allegedly emerged from Blackhawk Park, seizing the woman by her hair and dragging her screaming into a nearby alley.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Arauz-Medina brutally attacked the woman. “After strangling her, he grabbed her by the hair and violently slammed her head against the concrete, causing her to lose consciousness,” Pekara stated while addressing Judge Antara Nath Rivera.

Upon regaining consciousness, the woman found Arauz-Medina on top of her in a compromising position. In a desperate attempt to escape, she kicked him in the groin, but the assailant retaliated, once again overpowering her. Thankfully, a passing motorist disrupted the assault, prompting Arauz-Medina to flee the scene.

Despite her injuries and vulnerability, the woman managed to make her way down Fullerton Avenue, visibly distressed and naked, seeking help from bystanders. She eventually reached a food truck, where employees wrapped her in a blanket and called 911.

Law enforcement arrived and found her bleeding and bruised. Fortunately, they quickly located Arauz-Medina, who matched the victim’s description due to his distinct hairstyle. He attempted to escape but was detained by the officers, who also discovered some of the victim’s clothing and cocaine in his possession.

Further investigation revealed that Arauz-Medina had provided a detailed confession regarding the attack.

During the hearing, Assistant Public Defender Erin Freeman presented that Arauz-Medina had no previous arrests, had been gainfully employed in roofing, and was living with relatives after migrating from Nicaragua three years ago.

Judge Rivera granted the state’s petition for detention, expressing grave concerns about Arauz-Medina’s potential threat to the community. “He poses a threat to all females in the community. This could have occurred anywhere in Chicago, especially considering the defendant’s admission of cocaine use, which he claims contributed to his actions,” she remarked.

This report is based on courtroom transcripts obtained through CWBChicago’s courtroom transparency fund.

Tim Hecke is the managing partner at CWBChicago, bringing a wealth of experience from prestigious news stations across the nation. Tim has been instrumental in expanding local radio news and content services, and he assumed his role at CWBChicago in 2019. You can reach him via email at tim@cwbchicago.com.