Chicago police are warning women on the West Side after a man allegedly used escort-style apps to lure them to meetings, then sexually assaulted them at prearranged locations. The reported assaults happened on the 5600 block of West Washington Boulevard in the South Austin neighborhood, spanning from Oct. 26, 2025, through Feb. 26, 2026. According to police, the attacker pulled a handgun during the encounters and assaulted women after they arrived.
In a community alert, Chicago police described the suspect as a man between 26 and 30 years old. He was last seen wearing a black puffy jacket, a gray hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and a black do‑rag. Police have not said how many women were attacked or which escort app was used, as reported by CBS Chicago.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to call Harrison Area Detectives at 312-746-8251 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference number JK162665. Officials have not said whether any arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
How police say victims were targeted
According to the alert, the man arranged meetings through an escort application, then assaulted women after they showed up at the agreed-on locations, producing a handgun during the incidents, as reported by CBS Chicago. Detectives released a narrow age range and clothing description for the suspect but have held back additional details while they work the case.
Similar lures have appeared elsewhere in Chicago
Police say this is not the first time app-based meetings have turned dangerous. In a separate case last year, officers in Woodlawn warned that a suspect used a dating app to lure women into apartments, where he displayed a gun and robbed or assaulted them, according to ABC7 Chicago. Officials have repeatedly urged extra caution when arranging in-person meetups through apps.
Safety tips and resources
Law enforcement and federal authorities say criminals sometimes exploit dating and escort platforms, and the FBI recommends taking basic precautions before any in-person meeting. Those include verifying profiles, meeting in public places and letting a friend or family member know where you will be and who you are meeting. Survivors or anyone affected by sexual violence can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit RAINN for confidential support. The FBI also encourages people to report online scams and abusive behavior at fbi.gov/romancescams to help investigators spot patterns.
The investigation in South Austin remains active, and Chicago police say they are continuing to follow up on tips. Anyone with information about the incidents on the 5600 block of West Washington Boulevard is urged to contact Harrison Area Detectives at 312-746-8251 or submit an online tip with reference number JK162665.
