Man Gets Prison Time In Hammer Attack On Bike Path

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A 50-year-old Woodstock man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for using a hammer to attack a woman walking along a trail in Crystal Lake in September 2019.

Angel Cardoza, who was convicted on an attempted murder charge, must serve 85 percent of the 25-year sentence, authorities said. Police say Cardoza approached the woman who was walking on the Ridgefield Trace bike path on Sept. 24, 2019, and grabbed her.

He then repeatedly hit her on the head with a hammer, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

A bicyclist saw the attack and yelled that she was going to call 911. Cardoza then ran toward the bicyclist and hit her in the arm with the hammer before fleeing the scene, according to prosecutors.

Both women were taken to the hospital and treated for serious injuries.