A Wisconsin man has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery, including strangulation, after what authorities said was a seemingly random attack on a woman walking her dog in a suburban park over the weekend.
According to police, Raymond P. Link, 47, was with his unleashed dog in Petersen Park in McHenry Sunday when he suddenly attacked a 59-year-old woman who was also walking her dog.
Warning: This story contains descriptions of the attack that some viewers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
According to court documents, the suspect is accused of stomping, kicking and striking the woman in the head and neck, and then allegedly attempted to strangle her while she was unconscious. The brutal attack left her with multiple open fractures and a severe eye injury, according to court documents.
The suspect's dog also allegedly attacked the woman, leaving her with additional injuries.
Police said a 37-year-old man who did not know Link nor the woman intervened during the assault. According to court documents, Link allegedly punched the man "at least 12 times" in the chest and arms, and ordered his dog to attack him.
The second victim suffered a broken collarbone and multiple lacerations, police said.
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Link, who is from West Ellis, Wisconsin, was charged with one count of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery with great bodily harm, one count of aggravated battery by strangulation and two counts of aggravated battery in a public place.
Police don’t think there was any connection between Link and the woman, and called the attack “unprovoked.” Link was arrested at the scene, while his dog fled the area and was later located and released to McHenry County Animal Control.
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Link was taken to the McHenry County Jail to await court proceedings.
Police said the incident remains under investigation.
