Manhattan Man Runs Over Child's Bike, Threatens To Kill: Petition

MANHATTAN, IL — A Manhattan man has been charged after he ran over a 12-year-old's bicycle and told him he would kill him, according to a petition for a stalking no-contact order. Gary Heitman, 65, of the 100 block of South Park Street, has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, battery and disorderly conduct after the incident on Sept. 5.

Manhattan Police said they were called to McClure Street and Gustafson Road at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 for a report involving a motorist, now identified as Heitman, running over a child's bike. Officers arrived and spoke with several people at the scene.

On Tuesday, the mother of the child involved in the incident was granted an order of protection. According to the petition, the juvenile was riding through Central Park in Manhattan, and as they were leaving, Heitman started "yelling and swearing at [the juvenile]."

"My [child] kept riding away from him and [I] noticed that Gary was chasing [my child] in a red pick-up truck," the petition states. According to the petition, the bumper of the truck made contact with the child's leg, the child jumped off the bike and Heitman ran over it.

The petition states the child then ran to a friend's house and Heitman got out of the truck and also ran up to the house.

"By the time [the child's] friend's mom came, Gary was holding [the child] by the shirt and his arm and fist were up ready to hit [the child]," the petition states.

The mother of the friend grabbed Heitman's arm to stop him, and he let go of the child, according to the petition. The child then ran again and Heitman got back in his truck and continued to chase him.

The child made it to the First Bank of Manhattan parking lot, the petition states. Heitman then also pulled into the lot, and this was the first time the child had the chance to call 911. The bank was closed at this time, but there was a woman at the ATM.

"[The woman] let [the child] in the car and secured it," the petition states. "Gary got out of his truck and went to the lady's car, Gary repeated, 'If I ever see you again, I will [expletive] kill you.'"

At this point, police had arrived and Heitman was taken into custody, the petition states.

Patch asked for details on the incident and the child's condition, but police declined to comment.

Heitman was taken to Will County Adult Detention Facility and was released Sept. 6. His next court date is Sept. 26.