Star Inn Felony Arrest: Woman Punched In Face, Choked, Cops Say

JOLIET, IL — Bail has been set at $100,000 for a 35-year-old homeless man who Joliet police say choked a woman staying at a guest room at the Star Inn Plaza at 2219 1/2 West Jefferson Street.

Late last week, a bench warrant was issued for Paul Heffron's arrest and on Monday evening, the former Harvey resident turned himself in at the Joliet police station. He's charged with aggravated domestic battery and two counts of domestic battery.

Around 5 a.m. on July 17, Joliet police were called to the Star Inn for a domestic. Police said that Heffron attacked a woman he was having a romantic relationship with.

"During an argument in a guest room, Heffron choked the victim with both hands to the point that the victim began to lose consciousness. Heffron then threw the victim to the ground, causing her to strike her head against the floor," police spokesman Dwayne English announced.

Heffron continued the attack by punching her multiple times with a closed fist, police noted.

Heffron ran away before police arrived. The woman was taken by a Joliet Fire Department ambulance to the nearby St. Joe's hospital.

On July 22, Joliet detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Heffron. A Will County Judge set a bond at $100,000. Heffron was placed into custody on Monday around 5:45 p.m. after he turned himself in at the Joliet Police Department.