Suspect in Vernon Hills sexual assault charged

A 31-year-old Vernon Hills man was jailed on sex charges involving an attack this summer in a big-box store parking lot.

Jose A. Gutierrez of 357 Farmingdale Circle, was charged with one count each of criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault in connection with an attack July 3 in a Target parking lot, police said.

A 22-year-old woman told police she was confronted about 8:30 p.m. as she walked to her vehicle in a remote area of the parking lot and was sexually assaulted. She was treated at Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and released, police said.

Last week, a Target security agent recognized the suspect from the store's surveillance photos. According to police, the agent followed Gutierrez, who was subsequently charged with retail theft and public indecency.

Police took Gutierrez into custody for the retail theft and questioned him about the assault, and he later was charged in that case.

He remained in the Lake County jail Monday with a bond of $500,000. A court date has been scheduled for Nov. 9.