Key Takeaways:
- A 53-year-old Bensenville man, Ismael Andrade Pino, has been accused of attempting to kidnap a 20-year-old woman with special needs who works at a suburban Jewel-Osco.
- The victim was confronted by the suspect while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot and was grabbed by the neck and told to get into his car.
- The suspect was charged with attempted kidnapping, aggravated battery in a public place, and unlawful restraint.
- The victim’s mother expressed gratitude that her daughter is safe and able to return to work, but is now more cautious.
- The suspect was denied pre-trial release and is due in court on January 20.
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident occurred at a suburban Jewel-Osco in Bensenville, Illinois, where a 20-year-old woman with special needs was allegedly attempted to be kidnapped by a 53-year-old man. The victim, who lives with epilepsy, was confronted by the suspect, Ismael Andrade Pino, while she was collecting shopping carts in the parking lot. According to officials, Andrade Pino told the victim to get into his car, but she declined. He then allegedly blocked her path, grabbed her by the neck, and told her to get into his car again. The victim was able to escape when someone came out of the store, and Andrade Pino released her.
The Victim’s Mother Speaks Out
The victim’s mother spoke exclusively with ABC7, expressing her gratitude that her daughter is safe and able to return to work. She described the incident as "horrible" and stated that she is thankful that her daughter was able to get away from the suspect. The mother also mentioned that the suspect had seen her daughter earlier at the store’s Starbucks and had returned to attempt to kidnap her. She expressed relief that the suspect was not able to get away with the crime and that her daughter is now more cautious.
The Investigation and Charges
The Bensenville Police Department and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s office investigated the incident, and Andrade Pino was charged with attempted kidnapping, aggravated battery in a public place, and unlawful restraint. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin stated that the charges against Andrade Pino are "disturbing" and that the incident is a serious crime. The suspect was taken into custody the next morning after returning to the Jewel-Osco, and he was denied pre-trial release. He is due in court on January 20.
The Aftermath
The victim’s family is grateful that she is safe and able to return to work, but they are also more cautious now. The victim’s mother stated that she is thankful to have her daughter at home and safe, especially during the holiday season. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of individuals with special needs in public places. The Jewel-Osco store where the incident occurred has not commented on the matter, but the victim’s family is focused on moving forward and ensuring their daughter’s safety.
The Importance of Community Vigilance
The incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for individuals to look out for one another, especially those who may be more vulnerable. The fact that someone came out of the store and intervened, causing the suspect to release the victim, is a testament to the power of community intervention. The incident also underscores the need for businesses and public places to prioritize the safety and security of their employees and customers, particularly those with special needs.
Conclusion
The attempted kidnapping of a 20-year-old woman with special needs at a suburban Jewel-Osco is a disturbing incident that highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for individuals to look out for one another. The victim’s family is grateful that she is safe and able to return to work, but they are also more cautious now. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and security of individuals with special needs in public places and the need for businesses and communities to work together to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.