Police have arrested and charged the suspect wanted for attacking, injuring and raping a 16-year-old girl that was walking on the Robert McClory Bike Path in Beach Park last week.
Tramane Johnson, 27, of the 38700 block of Sheridan Road in Beach Park, was charged with one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and two counts of attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault.
During the investigation, a hair sample was obtained from the scene and it returned a positive identification from the Combined DNA Index System (COMBS).
Johnson’s DNA was in CODIS due to out-of-state weapons charges, according to Lake County Sheriff Chief of Staff Anthony Vega.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division began surveillance of Johnson’s home and an arrest warrant was approved Wednesday morning.
Members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division executed the arrest warrant and took Johnson into custody without incident.
On June 7, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 7:30 p.m. to a 911 call for a sexual assault on the Robert McClory Bike Path near Northeast End Avenue and Yorkhouse Road in Beach Park.
Lake County Sheriff Spokesman Lt. Christopher Covelli said a 16-year-old girl was walking on the bike path.
A male described as being African American, possibly in his late teens or early 20s, approximately 5-foot-11, and slender build, came out of the tree line and approached the victim as she was walking.
The offender had numerous metal hair barrettes in his hair, which police said was a “very unique identifier.”
The suspect, now identified as Johnson, took the girl forcefully by the neck and shoved her to the ground. He then removed her clothing and sexually assaulted her.
Covelli said that the victim screamed during the attack and a nearby resident heard the screaming.
The nearby resident began yelling to the victim to run to them and Johnson fled on foot. The victim was able to run to the nearby resident who called 911 for help.
The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment from injuries sustained during the attack. The extent of her injuries was not released.
Sheriff’s deputies established a large perimeter and began searching for Johnson.
A canine track was conducted by a Lake Forest Police Department canine unit. The track led to an area where police believe the suspect got into a vehicle and fled.
Additional charges are being reviewed. Johnson remains held at the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing.
“The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has already had multiple supervisors working on this grave matter. We take all crimes involving sexual violence incredibly seriously. We thank our partners in law enforcement, medical community, and at the crime lab for their fast work. We pledge every possible resource to the successful prosecution of the perpetrator,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.
Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said this was a “prime example of a community law enforcement partnership.”
“Hundreds of shares on social media, and dozens of messages and tips came in to aid our pursuit of justice for the victim. Ultimately, a DNA sample was obtained which enabled us to identify the suspect, take him into custody and begin the healing process for the victim. I want to thank the public at large for their help in this case, and all of our law enforcement partners,” Idleburg said.