Chicago police are trying to track down a man who allegedly attacked a woman and tried to sexually assault her on a westbound CTA Blue Line train in the Austin neighborhood on Saturday. Investigators say the woman was riding between the Cicero and Austin stops when a man exposed himself, made sexual remarks and then grabbed her before bolting off the train at the Austin station. The victim was left shaken, and police say no arrest has been made.
Police released a description
Detectives have released an image and physical description of the suspect. He is described as a Black man in his 40s with a medium build, short black hair and a full beard. Police say he was wearing a black unzipped jacket, a white T‑shirt, dark jeans with red and blue bandanas hanging from the back pockets and white gym shoes, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
How to help investigators
Anyone with information is urged to contact Area Four detectives at (312) 746‑8251 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com. The Chicago Police Department regularly lists that Area Four tip line in community alerts for West Side incidents; see a recent alert from the Chicago Police Department for reference.
CTA reporting and rider safety
The CTA advises riders to call 911 if their safety is threatened, or to activate the passenger intercom (the blue‑tinted light) to reach the train operator. For non‑emergencies, riders can contact CTA Customer Service at 1‑888‑YOUR‑CTA. The agency also notes that onboard and station cameras often assist police investigations, and that riders should report suspicious behavior as soon as it is safe to do so, per guidance from the CTA.
Wider transit safety concerns
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about safety on CTA trains after other attacks and attempted assaults reported this winter. Recent cases include an attempted sexual assault on a Yellow Line train covered by NBC Chicago, and a predawn Green Line stabbing in Austin that we previously reported in our coverage of a predawn Green Line stabbing. Riders’ videos and quick tips to police continue to be critical to these investigations.
