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Woman Kidnapped And Abused For Two Months On NW Side, Police Say

CHICAGO (STMW) - A woman was held for more than two months against her will and regularly abused by a former boyfriend who has been charged with attempted murder, kidnapping and domestic battery in the case, police said.

The alleged kidnapping came to light after the woman was able to free herself and ask a good Samaritan's help in escaping from the man who had been holding her at his home, police said.

According to police, the 20-year-old victim said she had been held against her will, intimidated and physically abused from July 15 until Sept. 23rd, whe she escaped.

The kidnapping and abuse allegedly occurred at Camaligan's home in the 5300 block of West Lawrence Avenue, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.

Camaligan was arrested at his home at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, and the victim was taken to Resurrection Medical Center for treatment of her injuries, according to police.

The woman told police she was only able to escape after Camaligan "allowed" her to leave the home to run an errand Friday. While on the errand, she begged a good Samaritan to let her borrow their cell phone, which she used to send a text message to her mother for help, police said.

The mother was also called by the good Samaritan, and hurried to find her "badly bruised" daughter at an unidentified address, police said. It was the mother who then called 911, police said.

The victim suffered various physical injuries from the abuse, which allegedly included being punched by the man, who also reportedly forced her to cut herself, according to a source.

The victim and the suspect were at some time in the past involved in a relationship, police said.

Grand Central Area detectives are investigating.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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