Two women were grabbed from behind and briefly restrained while walking in Logan Square in the pre-dawn hours, but both managed to break free after their screams drew nearby residents who chased the attacker away. Police say the suspect took off; no arrests have been reported, and detectives are still working the case.
Where police say the attacks happened
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the first incident happened about 2:32 a.m. on the 2600 block of North Sawyer Avenue and the second at about 3:23 a.m. on the 3100 block of West Schubert Avenue. The paper reports that in each case, the man approached victims from behind on the sidewalk, used his hands to batter and restrain them, then ran off when neighbors stepped in.
Police released a photo and a timeline
Investigators released an image of a man in a gray sweatshirt and jeans, and ABC7 reports the incidents occurred on Nov. 22, roughly an hour apart. Authorities told the station they believe sexual assault was the likely motive and that Area Five detectives are handling the investigation.
How police describe the suspect
Police gave a fuller description to the Chicago Sun-Times, saying the man wore dark gray jeans, a gray hooded sweatshirt with green-and-black coloring at the bottom, and a gray or black ski mask. He is described as about 5-feet-9 to 5-feet-10, with a medium-to-dark complexion, a thin build, and an estimated weight of 105 to 160 pounds.
A tense history in Logan Square
These latest attempted attacks landed in a neighborhood that has already been on edge after a series of sexual assault reports earlier this year that prompted community meetings and an expanded police response, as Block Club Chicago detailed. Resident concern and local safety efforts were also highlighted in earlier coverage.
How to help
Anyone who recognizes the man or has information is asked to contact Area Five detectives. The Chicago Police Department lists Area Five's tip line as (312) 746-6554 on its site. For anonymous tips, police direct residents to the CPD tip portal, and people should call 911 if an incident is in progress.
