Rolling Meadows man charged with attacking drivers in Arlington Heights

A Rolling Meadows man was charged Monday after a series of unprovoked attacks early Saturday in Arlington Heights, according to police.

Jeremiah J. Butler, 30, of the 3000 block of Dove Street, is charged with vehicular invasion, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, two counts of aggravated battery and reckless driving, Arlington Heights police said.

Authorities said it all started about 7 a.m. Saturday on Arlington Heights Road near the tollway off-ramp, when Butler intentionally drove his car into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle.

Witnesses reported that the suspect got into the other vehicle and attacked its driver, who managed to escape into a passing vehicle that stopped to offer assistance, according to a police department bulletin.

Police said the suspect then attacked others who stopped to help. One person escaped and drove away after the suspect tried to pull the driver out of the car. Another driver was strangled, briefly losing consciousness until others intervened and the suspect released his grip of both hands, police said.

The offender stole that victim's vehicle and fled as police officers arrived on scene. They were able to take him into custody shortly thereafter, authorities said.

Arlington Heights Fire Department paramedics took two female victims to Northwest Community Hospital for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries.

Butler is due to appear at the Cook County courthouse in Rolling Meadows on Tuesday for a detention hearing.