A Salina woman escapes her tormentor after being beaten and sexually abused.

Police Lieutenant Jim Feldman called the 19-year-old victim, “A very brave person and quick thinker,” after the woman looked for an opportunity to run away from 38-year-old Gerad Herrera.

Police say on Tuesday the woman was visiting Herrera in a room at the Budget Hotel located at 8058 N. Broadway when he became enraged and began hitting her, threatening to kill her as he strangled her.

Police allege he would not let her leave the room, shaving part of her head and committing a sex act against her will.

The next day Herrera needed to leave on an errand and she convinced him she would stay by his side. A short time later she was able to escape when they entered another building.

The woman ran to a family member’s home – who took her to police headquarters.

Officers found Herrera back at the hotel on Wednesday evening and took him into custody. He is now facing multiple charges that could include rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated domestic battery and criminal restraint.

The woman, who is pregnant was taken to Salina Regional Health Center to be treated for nonlife threatening injuries.

38-year-old Gerad C. Herrera