In a brazen daylight attack that has Humboldt Park residents on edge, Chicago police say a woman was sexually assaulted Monday afternoon near the 1400 block of North Lawndale Avenue.
The assault happened shortly before 4:30 p.m., according to police. Investigators say the attacker forced the woman into a nearby alley, assaulted her, then took off on foot, running south from the scene. No arrests have been announced.
Officers described the suspect as a Black man between 25 and 35 years old, about 5-feet-5 to 5-feet-10 and 160 to 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray sweater, dark pants, possibly ripped jeans, black shoes and a dark-colored beanie. Police say he pushed the woman into the alley before running away, according to CBS Chicago.
Residents already on edge
The latest community alert lands in a neighborhood that was already anxious about reports of similar attacks on the West Side. As Block Club Chicago reported, hundreds of residents from nearby communities packed a police beat meeting last year, pressing detectives about a string of sexual assaults and demanding quicker answers.
How to report tips and stay safer
Police are urging anyone with information about Monday's assault to call Area 5 detectives at (312) 746-6554 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference number JK112843, according to CBS Chicago.
The Chicago Police Department posts community alerts and safety resources on its website, and residents are advised to call 911 for immediate help, per the Chicago Police Department.
