BLOOMINGTON — An Illinois man has been arrested and faces rape, sexual battery and criminal confinement charges after an 18-year-old woman reported that she was sexually assaulted in a Bloomington parking garage.
Bloomington Police say the suspect, Andre J. Hardy, 27, was found in Joliet, Illinois on Wednesday morning. He was arrested, interviewed and is now awaiting extradition to Monroe County.
"The Bloomington Police Department is extremely appreciative of those that called in with information that led to the identification of Hardy and thanks all of those that shared the photographs which ultimately led to his arrest," Bloomington Police Captain Ryan Pedigo said in a news release.
The woman told police that on Sept. 1, she entered a parking garage near North Morton Street and West 6th Street. As she climbed the stairs, the woman told investigators she thought a man was following her.
The woman said the man then grabbed her from behind and tackled her between two vehicles before sexually assaulting her.
The victim began yelling "help," "please don't do this" and stop," according to a probable cause affidavit. The victim believes an approaching bystander scared Hardy away and he ran down the steps and out of the garage heading north across 7th Street.
Police say investigators began trying to locate Hardy, and eventually determined that he had left Bloomington and was in Illinois.
Online court records do not show an initial appearance date for Hardy.
-
Water systems send letters to customers about lead service lines
Water systems across Indiana are notifying homeowners they may have potentially dangerous water pipes on their property.
Dominated by Ohio State for years, Indiana has a chance for the big payback
No. 2 Ohio State will have its hands full against a surprising Indiana team that is undefeated and No. 5 in the rankings.
Anthony Richardson is out to prove himself again when Colts and Lions square off
Anthony Richardson wants his doubters to know one thing: Last week's performance was no fluke. All he has to do Sunday is prove it.
Caitlin Clark to join Cincinnati bid for National Women's Soccer League team
Major League Soccer's FC Cincinnati is trying to bring a women's pro team to the city. The club says Clark has joined in the effort.
