Illinois Son Escapes Captivity, Saves Mom After Days of Brutal Abuse

A terrifying case out of Illinois has left a community shaken, and praising the bravery of a young man who police say saved his mother's life.

Early Monday morning, a son out of Cahokia Heights ran across the street from his apartment to Thrifty Hardware & Home Center, begging for help.  What he told employees stunned everyone: he and his mother had been allegedly held captive for days.

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Illinois Son Escapes Captivity, Saves Mom After Days of Brutal Abuse

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According to the Police Chief, Thomas Trice, a 28-year-old man, Johnny J. Turner Jr., who had briefly dated the boy's mother, forced his way into their apartment and held them against their will.  Police say the mother was repeatedly beaten with various objects, including a firearm, pipes, utensils, and dishware.  She was allegedly threatened with a gun and restrained inside the apartment.

The son, who lives with mental and physical disabilities, somehow managed to escape.  Store owner, Daniel Bertelsen, said the man looked like he had endured serious trauma.  Employees at the business called the police and gave him water while he gave his story to the responding officers.

Police say those details were critical.

“He literally saved his mom’s life,” Chief Trice said.

Authorities quickly surrounded the apartment and locked down the area.  With assistance from Illinois State Police, officers engaged in a tense 5 1/2 minute standoff before entering the home with a search warrant.

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Inside?  They found the mother still tied up in a room in life-threatening conditions.  Turner eventually surrendered without further incident and is now facing multiple charges.  Police say both victims are expected to make a full recovery.