Judge Orders Detention For Man Charged In Route 31 Motorcycle Attack

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A 35-year-old Sleepy Hollow man accused of participating in a violent attack involving a group of motorcyclists on Route 31 in Crystal Lake will remain jailed while awaiting trial, a McHenry County judge ruled Monday.

Julio C. Salas was ordered detained after a hearing in McHenry County court, where prosecutors argued he poses a threat to the alleged victim and the community. Judge Michael Feetterer granted the state's petition to deny pretrial release.

Salas is charged with aggravated unlawful restraint, four counts of aggravated battery, mob action, aggravated assault and two misdemeanor battery counts stemming from a June 13 incident near Route 31 and Virginia Road, according to the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors allege that at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, Salas was among an estimated 15 to 20 motorcyclists who forced a 61-year-old man's vehicle to stop along Route 31, according to authorities.

Once the vehicle was stopped, Salas and several other riders allegedly approached the car and repeatedly struck the victim in the head and face with their fists and a motorcycle helmet. Authorities further allege Salas displayed a large knife that was carried in a scabbard attached to his belt during the confrontation, according to a news release from the state's attorney's office.

The victim suffered multiple injuries, including significant bruising and swelling beneath his right eye, prosecutors said.

After the attack, Salas and the other riders allegedly fled the scene. Officers with the Crystal Lake Police Department stopped most of the motorcyclists shortly afterward, and the victim later identified Salas as the primary aggressor, according to authorities.

At Monday's detention hearing, prosecutors argued that Salas presented a "real and present threat" to the victim and public safety. The court agreed and ordered him held pending trial.

Salas is scheduled to appear for a hearing in Courtroom 302 on June 16.