Lake County, IL – July 17, 2025 -A harrowing domestic incident in unincorporated Lake Bluff ended in an arrest early Thursday morning after a man allegedly strangled a woman and sliced her hand with a knife during a violent confrontation inside her apartment.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 25-year-old Angel Diaz, of the 400 block of Raphael Avenue in unincorporated Lincolnshire, was taken into custody shortly after midnight following an earlier violent outburst that forced his acquaintances to call 911 for help.
Violent Encounter
The incident began at approximately 8:25 p.m. on July 16, when deputies were dispatched to an apartment in the 600 block of Washington Avenue after receiving a 911 call reporting a man armed with a knife and threatening individuals inside the home.
According to the preliminary investigation, Diaz was visiting the apartment of two acquaintances — 25-year-old Jessica Morales and her 23-year-old boyfriend — when he became aggressive and belligerent, appearing intoxicated. Witnesses told deputies that Diaz began a verbal altercation which quickly escalated to violence.
At one point during the confrontation, Diaz produced a knife and slashed Jessica Morales’s hand, causing a laceration. He then reportedly choked her, placing her in fear for her life. Both Morales and her boyfriend managed to briefly escape Diaz and call 911 for help.
When deputies arrived at the scene, Diaz had already fled the apartment, apparently after realizing law enforcement had been alerted.
Return and Arrest
Deputies canvassed the area that evening in an attempt to locate Diaz, but he remained at large. However, in a disturbing turn of events, Diaz returned to the same apartment just a few hours later.
At approximately 12:45 a.m., Morales called 911 again to report that Diaz was pounding on the apartment door and refusing to leave. Sheriff’s deputies swiftly responded and were able to apprehend Diaz without further incident.
Charges Filed
After a comprehensive review of the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved several felony charges against Angel Diaz, including:
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- Aggravated Battery – Strangulation
- Aggravated Assault
Diaz was transported to the Lake County Jail, where he remains held pending an initial court appearance scheduled for Thursday morning.
Victim Recovering
Despite the terrifying ordeal, officials reported that Jessica Morales’s injuries did not require hospitalization, though she was clearly shaken by the attack. Her boyfriend was not physically harmed.
Sheriff’s officials commended the swift action of the 911 emergency telecommunicators and responding deputies, noting that without Morales’s second call, the situation could have escalated even further.
Ongoing Investigation
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active, and further charges may be considered depending on additional evidence or statements.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of domestic and acquaintance violence, especially when alcohol and weapons are involved. Law enforcement officials are urging residents to report any signs of domestic threats or unsafe behavior immediately.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at (847) 377-4000 or submit anonymous tips through their Crime Stoppers platform.
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