Web Desk
Evansville police have arrested a 47-year-old man accused of raping, strangling, and beating a woman in a violent attack that lasted for hours.
Authorities identified the suspect as John Emmett Hill, who now faces seven charges, including three counts of rape, a Level 3 felony.
Police say the assault took place on March 16 near Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, a well-known pedestrian trail in central Evansville.
Two bystanders witnessed the attack and immediately called 911 while helping the injured woman.
According to police reports, Hill fled from the 200 block of North Seventh Avenue on foot toward the Lloyd Expressway. Officers apprehended him six days later.
Police described the victim’s injuries as severe. When first responders arrived, she was found sitting upright with her clothes disheveled.
Blood was oozing from her mouth, nose, and ears. Paramedics rushed her to Deaconess Midtown Hospital, where she was treated in a trauma bay due to the severity of her condition. Her face was extremely swollen, bruised, and covered in dried blood.
The witnesses reported seeing Hill throwing the woman into a guardrail before repeatedly punching and kicking her.
They said he initially approached them but then walked away toward the Lloyd Expressway.
Investigators allege Hill held the woman captive for several hours, sexually assaulting her multiple times before the witnesses intervened.
The victim told detectives that her attacker was talking to himself and appeared to be debating whether to kill her. She said he took her phone, fearing she would call the police, and threatened to kill her and anyone who saw them.
In addition to three counts of rape, Hill faces charges of criminal confinement, a Level 3 felony; intimidation, a Level 5 felony; domestic battery resulting in serious injury, a Level 5 felony; and strangulation, a Level 6 felony.
Police say Hill has not yet retained an attorney.
His first court appearance in Vanderburgh County Circuit Court is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
