A series of unsettling incidents have left several neighborhoods on alert as Chicago police report a man is using an electric scooter to commit acts of criminal sexual abuse. The suspect, known to approach female victims in Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, and North Lawndale, has been described as an African American male, aged between 18-25, standing 5'5" to 5'11", and weighing 150-175 lbs. The victims share accounts of the man on a lime green and white electric scooter, donning a dark hooded sweatshirt or blue jacket alongside a black or blue mask that conceals his face.
Bothering them during a variety of hours, the sequence of abuse dates back to an incident on August 15 and the most recent on September 16, the predator is not narrowly hunting during the veil of night. With a notice issued by the Chicago Police Department providing all specific dates and locations, the listed attacks took place both in broad daylight and evening time frames, spanning a geographic area that has rapidly been engulfed by fear. Women were approached while walking or waiting for public transportation, and in certain instances, while they themselves were riding a scooter, where the offender would attempt to cause a minor accident.
Local authorities are urging those who encounter the suspect to contact 9-1-1 immediately and to remain on the scene if it is safe. Witnesses are encouraged to preserve any material evidence and to avoid the pursuit of the individual. Instead, details that could aid in his identification—such as unique physical characteristics—are sought after in efforts to halt these invasive occurrences. Additional advice and information have been provided in a public alert by the Chicago Police Department.
As the community stands vigilant, the police are hoping that the unique description of the scooter, alongside the potential of any physical identifiers, will aid in their apprehension of the offender. Women in the affected neighborhoods are on high alert, modifying their travel habits and joining forces with the shared responsibility to keep every member, newcomer or old, safe from the grasp of abuse that has plagued the area.
