advertisement

Gymnastics coach held in Prairie Path attack, linked to others

A 31-year-old Winfield man and Bartlett gymnastics coach is being held on $200,000 bail in DuPage County jail after confessing Tuesday to attacking a woman on the Illinois Prairie Path near Wheaton.

He also took responsibility for a similar attack last September, authorities say.

Matthew D. Grover, of the 600 block of Lindsey Avenue, faces felony charges of aggravated battery on a public way and unlawful restraint.

The most serious charge, aggravated battery, is typically punishable by two to five years in prison.

Police also confirmed at least three other cases in which Grover approached or followed women in nearby towns. Those cases are under investigation.

Appearing Wednesday morning in bond court, Grover told Judge Joseph Bugos he is unsure whether he will be able to post his bail.

According to police, Grover confessed to approaching a woman from behind and grabbing her about 3:30 p.m. Monday. The woman was walking on the path between County Farm Road and Pleasant Hill Road at the time, DuPage County sheriff's police said. The woman escaped unharmed.

Officers investigating the attack said Grover matched the physical description the woman gave police. One of Grover's family members also owns the same 2006 blue Toyota Sienna minivan officials think Grover used to flee after the attack.

"The sketch was obviously an important part of the investigation, but the DuPage County sheriff's office did an incredible job pulling everything together," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said.

During an interview with police, Grover confessed to a similar attack in September, police said. Charges for that case are pending the results of DNA testing.

"Obviously, in an ideal world there would be video cameras everywhere. But the Prairie Path extends for miles and miles and that wouldn't be feasible," Berlin said. "Unfortunately, it's the world that we live in that people just need to pay attention to what's going on around them. It's very unfortunate."

In an email sent to clients Tuesday night, the owners of Bartlett Gymnastics, where Grover had worked, said he is no longer employed there and has been banned from the premises.

They said their facility has "completely open viewing where parents watch classes and practice, and the premises is under video surveillance 24/7."

None of the charges against Grover are related to the gymnastics business, they said.

Woman attacked on Prairie Path near Wheaton

Winfield man admits to Prairie Path attack, police say

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.