Cedar Lake, IN – A Cedar Lake business owner was taken into custody this week after police say he allegedly assaulted a female employee inside his tobacco shop.
According to a statement from the Cedar Lake Police Department, Sgt. Ryan Miller responded Thursday to a report involving a 24-year-old woman who told her stepfather she had been assaulted while working at Cedar Lake Tobacco, Vape and Cig in the 13100 block of Wicker Avenue. The stepfather met with Sgt. Miller, who later spoke with the woman at the store before confronting the shop’s owner, identified as Habeeb Habeeb.
Police allege Habeeb pulled the victim by the hair, forced her into an office, slammed her face on a desk, and struck her repeatedly on her buttocks after forcing her to pull down her pants. Investigators say Habeeb then photographed her and later attempted to kiss and grope her.
Detective Marcus McDowell assisted with the investigation. According to police, Habeeb consented to a search of his phone, where detectives located an image of the victim. Security video allegedly showed Habeeb pulling the woman into the office by her hair, with audio supporting her complaint.
Police said the suspect was booked into Lake County Jail on Friday. Sgt. Miller filed charges the following day, including one count of criminal confinement, a Level 6 felony, and two counts of sexual battery, also Level 6 felonies.
The Cedar Lake Police Department emphasized that all parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Officials commended Sgt. Miller and Detective McDowell for what they described as a swift and compassionate response that helped secure key evidence in the case.
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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