Two Teenagers Charged with Sexually Assaulting Woman in Naperville Walgreens Washroom
James Patterson, 17, and an unidentified 15-year-old male are facing charges in connection with a disturbing incident that took place at a Walgreens store in Naperville. The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon at the store located at 713 East Ogden Avenue, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin.
According to prosecutors, the woman was inside the washroom when Patterson and the other boy entered. Patterson allegedly assaulted the victim by pinning her against a stall wall and pulling down her pants. Despite the victim’s pleas to stop, she was able to initially pull her pants back up and leave the stall.
However, Patterson reportedly grabbed the victim again, pinned her against a washroom wall, and pulled down her pants a second time. He then proceeded to strike the victim, causing her to fall to the ground, where he allegedly punched her repeatedly before sexually assaulting her. The 15-year-old also participated in the assault and recorded it on video.
After the attack, both teens fled the scene, but the victim reported the assault to store employees. Naperville police officers were able to apprehend Patterson and the 15-year-old nearby shortly after. Patterson was found in possession of the victim’s cell phone at the time of his arrest.
Patterson is facing charges as an adult, including four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and one count of robbery. The juvenile, on the other hand, is charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, one count of criminal sexual assault, and four counts of creating child sexual abuse material.
During a court hearing, Judge Joshua Dieden ordered Patterson to be detained pending trial. The 15-year-old was also detained by Judge Chantelle Porter until at least January 27.
This heinous act has shocked the community, and the legal process will now determine the consequences for the accused perpetrators. It is essential to support victims of such crimes and ensure that justice is served.
