Elmhurst, IL – A Chicago man is facing felony charges in DuPage County after allegedly making unwanted physical contact with a teenage girl at a movie theater in Elmhurst over the weekend.
Authorities said 62-year-old Delbert Patterson allegedly touched a 17-year-old girl inappropriately while both were attending a film at the York Theatre, located at 150 N. York Street, around 6:26 p.m. Saturday.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Patterson allegedly “used his right hand to stroke the victim’s left thigh and left buttocks,” prompting the victim to immediately report the incident to her father. Bystanders detained Patterson outside the theater until Elmhurst police arrived and took him into custody.
Patterson, who resides on the 8500 block of S. Ada Street in Chicago, appeared in First Appearance Court Monday and was charged with one count of aggravated battery in a public place, a Class 3 felony. He was released from custody under provisions of the Safe-T Act, which does not allow pre-trial detention for certain offenses. As a condition of release, Patterson is barred from returning to the York Theatre.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed concern about limitations placed on judges under current law, stating, “As I have said before, cases such as this illustrate the need for changes to the State’s Safe-T-Act to give judges more discretion for certain offenses at a defendant’s First Appearance Court hearing.”
Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean commended the victim’s quick actions and the community response that led to Patterson’s arrest. “I am appalled this individual came to our community and is alleged to have battered a seventeen-year-old,” McLean said. “I commend this brave girl for promptly telling her father what happened and the two bystanders who chased the suspect as he tried to flee the scene, leading to his apprehension.”
Patterson’s next court date is scheduled for July 28 before Judge Daniel Guerin.
All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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