An Illinois man was charged after a reporter said that he grabbed her while she was live on-air Saturday (May 23), and shouted profanity.

Gaynor Hall described the encounter in a Facebook post early Sunday as “not funny.” "You violated my personal space. You grabbed me. You scared me. Was it worth it?" the WGN reporter wrote, addressing the man by posting a picture of him.

Her colleague, Jackie Bange, sought public help in identifying the man. “To the good people of Shorewood: do you recognize this guy?? He just assaulted our reporter during her 10 pm live shot. He’s an absolute idiot and should be charged with assault!” she wrote on Facebook.

Eric Farina, 20, was arrested the same day from his home in Minooka. He is facing disorderly conduct and battery, NBC News reported.

Citing Shorewood police, the publication reported that Hall, 37, was present in the area, about 45 miles south of Chicago, to deliver a weather report in a night-time broadcast when Farina wrapped his arm around her and "uttered a profane and disturbing statement."

Farina left after the incident still high on mouthing obscene words, police said. When police tracked him down at his house, he made a “full confession,” NBC News reported, citing a police statement.

Farina was reportedly released on a $2,500 recognizance bond. It was not immediately clear if he had obtained an attorney. He is scheduled for his next court appearance on July 24.

Hall updated the Facebook post later, saying "Thanks to your help, he was identified and arrested.” “Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. I am ok and I appreciate you more than you know," she said addressing the people who helped identify the suspect.

WGN declined to comment on the incident when approached by NBC News, other than saying, "We want to thank Shorewood police for their quick work in this matter."

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Representational image of a man in handcuffs.
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