ISP Arrest Suspect in Aggravated Battery/Criminal Sexual Assault

For Release

EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) and East St. Louis Police Department arrested 20-year-old Elijah Harper from Cahokia Heights, IL for Aggravated Kidnapping (Class X Felony), Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault/Weapon (Class X Felony), Aggravated Unlawful Restraint (Class 3 Felony), Aggravated Battery/Great Bodily Harm (Class 3 Felony) and Aggravated Battery/Use Deadly Weapon (Class 3 Felony).

Elijah Harper. Photo submitted by ISP

On October 23, 2022 at approximately 5:29 p.m., the East St. Louis Police Department requested the ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) respond to a reported stabbing and criminal sexual assault that occurred in the 3000 block of Market Place, East St. Louis. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries. The suspect left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

After a thorough investigation, PSEG identified Elijah Harper as a suspect. Harper was located shortly after on a St. Clair City transit bus and taken into custody without incident. Harper was transported to the St. Clair County Jail where he is being held on $1,000,000.00 bond with 10% to apply. This incident was investigated jointly by ISP PSEG and the East St. Louis Police Department. No further information will be disseminated.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.