Lake County Government: UPDATE: Suspect Apprehended In Sexual Assault Of Teen On Robert McClory Bike Path

Press release from the Lake County Government:

June 16, 2021

During the morning hours of June 16, 2021, Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies executed an arrest warrant and apprehended Tramane Johnson, 27 years of age from the 38700 Sheridan Rd block of Beach Park, as the prime suspect of the sexual assault of a teen on Robert McClory Bike Path on June 7, 2021. 

During the investigation, a hair sample was obtained from the scene and it subsequently returned a positive identification from CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). Johnson’s DNA was in CODIS due to out of state weapons charges. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division subsequently began surveillance of Johnson’s home while working diligently with the Lake County State’s Attorney where upon the review of facts and circumstances of the case the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges:

2 counts of Attempted Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 Felony

1 count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 Felony

An arrest warrant was obtained and this morning members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division executed the arrest warrant and took him into custody without incident.

A search warrant was issued for Johnson’s residence, which sheriff’s detectives are conducting now. 

Additional charges will be reviewed. Johnson remains held at the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing. 

State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said: “The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has already had multiple supervisors working on this grave matter. We take all crimes involving sexual violence incredibly seriously. We thank our partners in law enforcement, medical community, and at the crime lab for their fast work. We pledge every possible resource to the successful prosecution of the perpetrator.”

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “This is a prime example of a community-law enforcement partnership. Hundreds of shares on social media, and dozens of messages and tips came in to aid our pursuit of justice for the victim. Ultimately, a DNA sample was obtained which enabled us to identify the suspect, take him into custody and begin the healing process for the victim. I want to thank the public at large for their help in this case, and all of our law enforcement partners. 

Media availability will be at 04:30 pm to discuss limited information about the investigation. If you wish to attend contact Chief of Staff Anthony Vega at avega@lakecountyil.gov

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. 

Man Attacks, Sexually Assaults Teen on Robert McClory Bike Path (issued June 8, 2021)

On June 7, 2021, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Robert McClory Bike Path just north of Yorkhouse Road, Beach Park, for a sexual assault that just occurred.

Preliminary investigation shows a 16-year-old female was walking on the bike path.  A male described as being African American, possibly in his 20’s, approximately 5’11,” and thin build, came out of the tree line and approached the victim as she was walking.  The offender had numerous metal hair barrettes in his hair, which is a very unique identifier.  

After approaching the victim, he took her forcefully by the neck and shoved her to the ground.  He then forcefully removed her clothing and sexually assaulted her.  The victim screamed during the attack and a nearby resident heard the screaming.  The nearby resident began yelling to the victim to run to them for assistance.  At that time the offender fled on foot.  The victim was able to run to the nearby resident who called 911 for help.    

The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment from injuries sustained during the attack.

Sheriff’s deputies established a large perimeter and began searching for the offender.  A canine track was conducted by a Lake Forest Police Canine.  The track led to an area it is believed the offender fled in a vehicle.

Sheriff’s detectives and sheriff’s evidence technicians responded to the scene and continue to investigate.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at 847-377-4000.  

This press release was produced by the Lake County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.