Chicago Man Beat, Strangled Girlfriend in Lyons Motel: Police

LYONS TOWNSHIP, IL -- A Chicago man is accused of holding his girlfriend against her will and abusing her in a motel room when she tried to break off their relationship. Ismael Hernandez, 35, appeared before Cook County Judge Donald Havis on felony charges of aggravated domestic battery, kidnapping and unlawful restraint.

The prosecutor said the two traveled to Geneva on Dec. 16. After spending the day together, she told him she didn't want to see him anymore. The next day the couple met at a motel in the 6400 block of Joliet Road in unincorporated Lyons Township. Hernandez allegedly began drinking vodka and took out explicit photos of his girlfriend, which he threatened to show her family.

Hernandez allegedly grabbed the woman’s cell phone and began kicking and strangling her. He then took out a straight razor and held it to her neck, threatening to cut her throat, according to the charges. After a few hours, the woman tried to escape.

The prosecutor said Hernandez dragged her back into the room from the stairwell. He allegedly stood on the woman’s chest and told her she couldn’t leave. After strangling her a second time, the prosecutor said that Hernandez blockaded the hotel room with furniture and luggage.

Around 4 a.m., Hernandez sobered up. The prosecutor said when he saw the bruises on his girlfriend, he apologized. Hernandez gave her the room key. The woman approached a Cook County Sheriff’s police officer, who was conducting a premises check at the motel. She gave the officer the room key and Hernandez was taken into the custody, the prosecutor said.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Hernandez is a U.S. Air Force veteran with combat tours in the Middle East. He has been diagnosed with PTSD. Hernandez alleges that his girlfriend was also inebriated during their stay at the motel.

The woman was treated at the scene for soreness and bruising at the scene, but refused further medical attention.

Hernandez was flagged for violence in a pre-trial public safety assessment for a past aggravated battery conviction in 2010.

Bail was set at $100,000. Hernandez is due back in court Jan. 15 in Bridgeview.