Man assaulting woman flees after hearing Life Alert dispatcher, Pennsylvania cops say
A Pennsylvania woman fought off an attacker using her Life Alert button, authorities said. More than two months later, a man now faces charges in the assault.
According to Pittsburgh police, a man, identified as William Hercules, 27, confronted the victim around 9 p.m. Aug. 18 outside her apartment, demanding she give him her phone, WPXI reported.
When she refused, police said Hercules pushed her to the ground, choked her, and tried to take her pants off, breaking her pelvis and back in the attack, the outlet reported.
Police said the woman used her Life Alert button to call for help, WTAE reported. The woman’s age was not available.
Hercules ran off after hearing a dispatcher through the button, the outlet reported, citing police.
Hercules is accused of aggravated assault, attempted rape, attempted sexual assault, strangulation, indecent assault, and reckless endangerment, court records show.
He was arraigned Oct. 23. Attorney information for Hercules was not available.
“It’s ridiculous that someone would do that to an elderly person, Matt Kortz, the maintenance supervisor at the apartment building where the victim lives, told WPXI. “It’s sick.”
Police said in a criminal complaint that they are familiar with Hercules, saying he is “continuously intoxicated to the point where police are called to respond,” TribLive reported.
Hercules was arrested days later in connection with a separate assault at a liquor store called Buddy’s Brews, according to the outlet.
He is being held at the Allegheny County Jail without bail, according to court records.
Hercules is due back in court Oct. 31 for a preliminary hearing.
This story was originally published October 23, 2024 at 1:01 PM.
