Man gets 24 years for beating, sexually assaulting woman in 2012

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for violently attacking and sexually assaulting a woman outside her North Side apartment building in 2012.

Jason Gurneau had ridden a bicycle past the victim prior to her walking up to her Uptown apartment in December 2012, according to the Cook County state’s attorney office.

Gurneau then got off the bike and pushed the 31-year-old woman down from behind as she unlocked the gates to her apartment in the 4400 block of North Sheridan Road, according to prosecutors. He then got on top of her and slammed her head against the pavement.

The woman struggled with Gurneau and screamed for help as he repeatedly hit her in her face and body, prosecutors said.

During the attack, Gurneau choked the woman and slammed her body into the brick building until she lost consciousness. He then ripped off her clothes and undergarments, and sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said.

A neighbor heard the woman’s screams and called 911. As Gurneau attempted to run away, a witness ran after him and knocked him off his bike, prosecutors said. Police then arrived and Gurneau was arrested.

The woman was taken to the hospital, where a sexual assault kit was administered and she was treated for severe bruising to her face, a broken nose and a right eye that was swollen shut, prosecutors said. She also suffered severe tearing and internal bruising to her vaginal area.

DNA evidence later linked Gurneau to the crime and he pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual assault, prosecutors said. On Monday he was sentenced to 21 years for aggravated criminal sexual assault and 3 years for aggravated battery to a correctional officer.