Arlington Heights man charged with attempted murder

A Cook County judge set bail at $750,000 Tuesday for a 39-year-old Arlington Heights man who authorities say beat, choked and attempted to smother a woman following an argument at his home early Sunday.

Donald E. Stellato, Jr., 39, of the 1700 block of Northwest Highway, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint. If convicted of the most serious charge, Stellato faces between six and 30 years in prison.

Authorities say Stellato and his accuser argued and Stellato punched the woman with his fists, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney David Weiner. When the woman tried to leave, the defendant refused, telling her she wasn't going anywhere, Weiner said.

Authorities accuse Stellato of choking the woman, cutting off her air supply and causing bruising, Weiner said. Stellato is accused of then throwing the woman onto a bed and pushing a pillow onto her face, Weiner said.

After breaking free, the woman ran to her car and drove away.

At about 2:30 a.m., the 44-year-old woman encountered Barrington police during a traffic stop and told them she had been the victim of a domestic battery, police said. She was treated for her injuries at Northwest Community Hospital and released, police said.

Arlington Heights police located Stellato a short time later at a relative's home in Arlington Heights and brought him to the Arlington Heights Police Department for further investigation, police said.

Cook County Judge Jill Cerone Marisie ordered Stellato to wear a GPS monitor if he posts bond. Prosecutors say his background includes a 2003 conviction for violating an order of protection for which he was sentenced to two years probation. He also has convictions for misdemeanor charges including a 2002 assault, a 2001 violation of an order of protection and a 1999 telephone harassment charge. He next appears in court on Oct. 17.