A 27-year-old woman was sexually abused while walking in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood on Monday, Feb. 9, according to authorities. The attack happened around 9:16 a.m., when a man came up behind her, pulled her to the ground and tried to remove her pants before running off.
Police have released a description of the suspect and are asking neighbors to help track him down. According to FOX 32 Chicago, the offender is described as a Black man between 35 and 40 years old, about 5 feet to 5-foot-3 inches tall, slender, with short curly black hair. He was last seen in a brown sweater, an oversized brown jacket and baggy blue pants. Investigators have assigned tip reference number JK143302 as they search for witnesses and any nearby surveillance footage.
How to report tips
The Chicago Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact Area Four detectives at 312-746-8251. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at CPDTIP.com, which routes leads directly to CPD investigators without revealing the tipster’s identity.
A pattern on the West Side
Police have put out similar community alerts after other recent attacks on the West Side, urging residents to stay alert on neighborhood sidewalks and at transit stops. The Chicago Sun-Times reported attempted sexual assaults in Logan Square late last year that followed a similar pattern, with attackers approaching victims from behind. Detectives in those cases also asked the public to share tips and any video that might help identify suspects.
Police advice and next steps
Officers say they are canvassing the North Lawndale area for witnesses and surveillance footage and are following up on all leads as the investigation continues. Police reminded residents to stay aware of their surroundings, walk with others when possible and call 911 right away if they see suspicious behavior, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
