Judge Denies Pretrial Release For Man Accused In Domestic Violence Case

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL -- A judge has denied pretrial release for an Oakwood Hills man accused of critically injuring a woman in a domestic-related incident that occurred last week, according to the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

On Saturday, McHenry County Judge Jeffrey Hirsch granted the state’s petition to detain Pablo Contreras, 50, following his initial court appearance. Contreras is charged with aggravated domestic battery causing great bodily harm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and leaving the scene of an accident with injury, according to a news release.

Prosecutors said the incident happened on Friday evening outside a home in Oakwood Hills, where Contreras became involved in an argument with a female family member. A neighbor witnessed Contreras enter the driver’s seat of a 2020 Volkswagen while the victim stood behind the vehicle, according to evidence presented in court.

Authorities allege Contreras then reversed the vehicle, striking and running over the woman before fleeing the scene, according to the news release. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries.

Investigators said Contreras later returned to the scene after emergency responders had already taken the victim for medical treatment, prosecutors said.

State’s Attorney Freese condemned the violence, calling it “a horrifying act that left a woman with critical injuries,” and said her office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting violent offenders and supporting victims of domestic violence.

Contreras is next expected in court on June 2. The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakwood Hills Police Department at (815) 444-9456.