A 57-year-old woman in Madison, Wisconsin, survived a violent attack by pretending to be dead, according to local police. The incident occurred late Sunday night on September 7, when the woman was walking to a gas station on the city’s northwest side.
Authorities said that Ismael Hernandez-Padilla, 39, assaulted the woman by dragging her into a vacant lot. Police reported that he strangled and punched her during the attack. The woman managed to escape further harm by feigning death, prompting Hernandez-Padilla to leave the scene.
Afterward, the victim attempted to walk to a police station for help. Officers encountered her before she arrived and spoke with her about the incident.
Following an investigation, police arrested Hernandez-Padilla. He faces charges of strangulation, battery, and bail jumping.
