Villa Park man charged in attack on woman

A 23-year-old Villa Park man faces charges of robbery, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint after a vicious attack on an employee of a store that sells natural vitamins, authorities said Friday.

Jermany Gates of the 900 block of West North Avenue was being held Friday in DuPage County jail. His bond was set at $200,000.

Villa Park Detective Sgt. Dan McCann said the man entered the store on the 700 block of North Westmore Avenue shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday and demanded cash.

He then ordered the female employee into the store’s washroom, where he told her to take off her clothes, police said. When she refused, Gates tried to remove her clothing.

When she continued to resist, police said Gates repeatedly struck her in the face, causing severe injuries that were still being treated Friday at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

McCann said Gates fled when two customers entered the store. The customers were able to give officers a detailed description, authorities said, and Gates also left evidence at the scene.

Police said they took Gates into custody and recovered money stolen from the store.

This is the second time in two days a woman has been assaulted in Villa Park.

On Wednesday night, a woman told police she was attacked from behind while walking on the 300 block of North Ardmore Avenue. She said the man dragged her behind a garage, knocked her down and tried to remove her jacket. She was able to fend him off and call 911.

McCann said it does not appear the two attacks are related.