Suburban man charged in attempted sexual assault of woman near Chicago’s popular Millennium Park

A northwest suburban man now faces several felony charges in connection with the attempted assault of a 20-year-old woman near Chicago’s popular Millennium Park.

Garland Benton, 45, of Crystal Lake, has been charged with aggravated battery in a public place, aggravated criminal sexual abuse causing bodily harm and aggravated criminal sexual assault causing bodily harm.

According to police, Benton was arrested around 7:30 a.m. Monday in the 2500 block of South Archer, one hour after the alleged attack took place. Benton is accused of battering, sexually abusing and attempting to sexually assault a 20-year-old woman in the 0-100 block of North Michigan Avenue.

A 65-year-old woman who attempted to intervene was also pushed, police said.

Authorities did not reveal what led to Benton’s arrest in the incident, but said he fled the scene and was located a short time later.

He was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for a detention hearing.