Rockford man accused of attacking a woman under the Kishwaukee Street Bridge

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Matthew Calmese, 39, for allegedly attacking a woman under the Kishwaukee Street Bridge.

Officers were called to Carpenter’s Place on Railroad Avenue for reports of a battered victim on July 1.

The woman told authorities she was slammed multiple times and strangled when she attempted to get into the suspect’s tent.

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The victim had multiple injuries and was taken to Swedish American Hospital by the Rockford Fire Department for treatment.

Calmese was taken into custody under the bridge. The suspect struggled with officers before he was put in a holding cell, according to court records.

Calmese is charged with battery that made physical contact, aggravated battery that caused strangulation, aggravated battery in a public place, aggravated battery to an officer and resisting an officer.