Man Violently Attacks Motorists: Arlington Heights PD

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A Rolling Meadows man is facing four felony charges after he was accused in a series of unprovoked acts of violence against motorists in Arlington Heights. Jeremiah J. Butler, 30, of the 3000 block of Dove Street, is charged with felony vehicular invasion, felony possession of a stolen vehicle, felony aggravated battery of a victim 60 years of age or older, felony aggravated battery strangulation, and misdemeanor reckless driving.

Butler, who has remained housed in the Cook County Jail since the Nov. 18 incident, is due in court Tuesday.

According to police, officers responded to the area of the 2400 block of S. Arlington Heights Road at around 7:06 a.m. after receiving several 911 calls. Witnesses told police Butler drove his car into oncoming traffic, intentionally striking another vehicle. He then reportedly entered the car he had struck and physically attacked the driver, police said. Following multiple attempts to resist Butler's attacks, the driver was able to escape into a passing car that had stopped to offer assistance.

Soon thereafter, police said additional motorists stopped after seeing the disturbance, rendered aid and defended victims from Butler's violent attacks. Another motorist was able to escape after Butler attempted to pull them from their vehicle and drove away.

One of the motorists that had stopped to offer help was also attacked by Butler, according to police. Butler allegedly strangled the female victim with both hands until she briefly lost consciousness. She was able to release from his grip after other motorists intervened. After the first police officers arrived at the scene, officials said Butler stole the victim's car and fled the area.

Police monitored Butler's direction of travel, and were able to take him into custody shortly thereafter.

Arlington Heights firefighters provided treatment to the multiple victims and took two female victims to Northwest Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.