A man who attacked a woman on the Prairie Spirit Trail is in the Anderson County Jail . The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office says the 64 year old Ottawa woman was able to fight off 33 year old Porfirio de la Cruz Cantu and escape to the home of a neighbor and call 9-1-1. The attack occurred a few hundred yards south of the trails intersection with 2350 Road. The man was located and arrested a short time later on 59 highway.
The woman suffered lacerations and bruises but nothing serious in nature. De la Cruz is reportedly employed at a local restaurant and Anderson County Under Sheriff Wes McClain says the man has no documentation and that U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, had requested a hold on him, extra time in jail before they see a judge for bond.
Anderson County Attorney Elizabeth Oliver says a special prosecutor has been retained in the matter. Illegal immigrants suspected of crimes, often have charges dropped at the request of ICE who pursue deportation more expediently than local courts can resolve the criminal charges.
