Belt Wrapped Around Victim's Neck At Budget Inn: Police

JOLIET, IL — A Will County judge set bail at $15,000 for 35-year-old Joliet resident Matthew Nero in connection with allegations he wrapped a belt around a woman's neck at the Budget Inn Express and later threatened to harm people in the parking lot with a knife.

Joliet police said that Nero is being jailed on charges of aggravated domestic battery, unlawful restraint and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence.

The incident leading to Nero's arrest was first reported Joliet police around 3:35 p.m. Sunday. It happened at the Budget Inn Express at 1806 McDonough Street.

"Further investigation revealed that during an argument in the hotel room, Nero pushed the victim to the bed," Joliet police Sgt. Dwayne English indicated. "The victim got up to leave at which time Nero wrapped a belt around the victim’s throat from behind causing her to temporarily lose consciousness."

Joliet police say Nero took the woman's phone as she tried calling 911.

"She then began yelling for help out of the hotel window and Nero held a box cutter to her neck," Joliet police reports show. "The victim indicated officers came to her hotel room earlier in the day, however, the victim was too frightened to indicate what had happened."

Joliet police said it sent officers to the Budget Inn Express after learning that Nero in the parking lot was threatening people with a knife.

"Officers located Nero in the parking lot and placed him into custody for the earlier incident in the hotel room. Nero was transported to the Joliet Police Department for booking at which time he made statements indicating his intent to harm himself. Nero was transported to Amita St Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department for an evaluation. Nero was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility upon release from the hospital," police announced.

Nero, who lives in the 2900 block of Nancy Vallera Lane, remained in the county jail Monday night unable to post bond.