Man grabbed Batavia girls, police say

Charges are pending against a Montgomery man who is accused of chasing down two 13-year-old girls and putting them in headlocks, Batavia police said.

Authorities said 26-year-old Demetrius D. Stewart was wearing only a T-shirt, boxer shorts and socks when he chased the girls down the 1300 block of East Wilson Street around noon Monday.

Stewart grabbed both girls, but they were able to break free of the headlock, according to Batavia police.

Witnesses saw the attack and were on their way to aid the girls before they freed themselves.

Witnesses said the man sat down until police arrived, and only then did he try to walk away, police said

Stewart was unable to respond to verbal commands and had “emotional outbursts” during the arrest, according to police.

He was taken to Delnor Hospital for a psychological evaluation, and on Tuesday was transported to an Elgin mental health facility for a follow-up.

Authorities said Stewart will be turned over to Batavia police once he is released from the facility.