Man charged with stalking Arlington Heights woman

A 64-year-old man was ordered held without bond Thursday on charges he stalked an Arlington Heights woman with whom he had a romantic relationship several years ago.

William Brice, who also has two misdemeanor harassment cases pending against him involving the same woman, was charged with a Class 4 stalking felony after prosecutors say his calls and texts to her became increasingly obscene and violent.

Prosecutors did not have Brice's hometown or address immediately available. They said he and the woman had known each other for 20 years when they began dating in March 2014. The woman broke up with Brice about six months later and did not see him until the spring of 2016 when they got together as friends, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Katherine Bird.

Beginning in September 2017, the woman began receiving messages and calls from him, but did not respond, Bird said. One day last month, Brice showed up at the woman's door, but left before Arlington Heights police arrived. He returned later that day, Bird said, and the woman again called police who told Brice not to contact her.

Brice continued to call and text the woman, at one point telling her "he loved her to death," Bird said.

Cook County Assistant Public Defender Rachel Baker informed the court that Brice has no criminal background other than the pending misdemeanors.

However, Cook County Judge Steven J. Goebel, noting that Brice appeared "disheveled" and "bewildered," said he believed the woman "would be in extreme danger" if Brice were released.

Goebel also ordered Brice to be examined for sanity and fitness.

Brice next appears in court on Nov. 30.