MADISON (WKOW) -- A 57-year-old Madison woman escaped an attacker by "playing dead" after he dragged her to a vacant lot, strangled her and punched her before walking away, police said.

The woman had been walking to a gas station in the 3400 block of Packers Avenue around 11:17 p.m. on Sept. 7 when the attack occurred, according to police.

Officers found the injured woman as she was on her way to the police station to report the assault.

Following an investigation, police arrested Ismael Hernandez-Padilla, 39, on charges of strangulation, battery and bail jumping.

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