A Lake Forest College student faces several charges after an alleged strangulation attempt against a female student, police said.
Luca Valpescu, 22, was charged Feb. 28 with a felony aggravated battery (strangulation) along with two misdemeanor battery counts and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after Lake Forest Police responded to a report of an aggravated battery at his Deerpath Hall dormitory room, according to Deputy Chief Kevin Zelk.
Zelk added Valpescu was acquainted with the alleged victim, but they were not dating. He said a knife was recovered as part of the investigation. He declined to provide additional details citing an ongoing investigation.
Following his arrest, Valpescu was taken into custody and had an initial court appearance in Lake County on March 1. Afterward, he was released with several conditions, including no contact with the alleged victim and he is prohibited from traveling outside of Illinois. He is also banned from the college’s campus.
Interim Lake Forest College President Rob Krebs released a statement Monday morning.
“A member of our community reportedly did not uphold the values and standards we expect at this college. Ensuring a safe environment for every student is our highest priority. This matter will be thoroughly investigated, and we will fully cooperate with law enforcement and the judicial process. Any individual found responsible will face the College’s highest sanctions,” Krebs wrote in part. “The safety and well-being of our students are paramount, and we remain fully committed to upholding that responsibility.”
Valpescu’s next court date is scheduled for March 24.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
