Man accused of trying to kidnap suburban Jewel-Osco employee with special needs as she worked

A suburban Chicago man has been accused of trying to kidnap a Jewel-Osco employee with special needs as she worked just days before the Christmas holiday.

Ismael Andrade Pino, 53, of Bensenville, faces charges of attempted kidnapping, aggravated battery in a public place and unlawful restraint, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s office.

The incident took place around 7:30 p.m. on Dec.22 at a Jewel grocery store in Bensenville, according to authorities.

Officials said a 23-year-old female with special needs was collecting shopping carts from the parking lot when a man approached her and told her to go to his car. When the woman refused, the man allegedly blocked her path to leave, grabbed her by the neck and told her again to go to his car.

The man eventually released the woman but stayed near her before grabbing her a second time, only releasing her again when another person appeared to be coming out of the store.

Police said the man returned to the Jewel around 9 a.m. the next day and staff contacted law enforcement.

Andrade Pino was then taken into custody.

“The charges against Mr. Andrade Pino are disturbing,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement. “I commend the victim in this case for having the courage to refuse Mr. Andrade Pino’s orders and for alerting the proper authorities. I thank the Bensenville Police Department for their efforts on this case as well as the staff at Jewel for contacting law enforcement.”

Andrade Pino was denied pre-trial release during his first court appearance in the case and is next scheduled to appear before a judge on Jan. 20.