3 charged with attacking victim during drug deal in Wheeling

WHEELING, Ill. (WLS) -- Miguel Perez, Eddie Echevarria and a female juvenile were arrested for allegedly robbing a victim during a drug deal in Wheeling, police said.

The victim, who was contacted by the three to purchase cannabis, entered a vehicle with the offenders on Sept. 25 near the intersection of Strong Avenue and 1st Street, police said.

While in the vehicle, Perez and Echevarria attacked the victim by holding him down and strangling him with a cord while demanding that he give them cannabis, police said. The female offender went through the victim's clothing and removed cannabis and other items before the victim was ordered out of the vehicle, police said.

The three offenders admitted to their involvement in the incident after being interviewed by detectives, police said.

Bond was set at $225,000 for Perez, 21, and $75,000 for Echevarria, 19. Both are scheduled to appear in court Nov. 14.