A 29-year-old woman was sexually assaulted Saturday afternoon in LaBagh Woods on Chicago’s Northwest Side, authorities say. The attack happened at about 12:30 p.m., and the suspect ran off before officers arrived. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
What police say
Forest Preserves Police of Cook County say the assault occurred off-trail on the eastern side of the preserve, about 500 feet from a parking lot, and that they are actively searching for the attacker. The suspect is described as a white man with a blonde beard reaching his chest who was wearing a dark shirt, a black beanie, dark sunglasses and a black jacket with a red stripe, according to NBC Chicago.
Patrols stepped up
The district has for years relied on bike and foot patrols to boost visibility and to reach trails that patrol cars cannot access. The Forest Preserves of Cook County’s own news page notes that bike units move at trail pace, answer questions from visitors and respond to incidents on foot paths, according to Forest Preserves of Cook County. Officials say visible patrols are meant both to help visitors and to discourage unsafe behavior.
Where it happened
LaBagh Woods runs along the North Branch of the Chicago River and is a regular draw for birders and volunteers working on habitat restoration. The preserve’s main entrance is near Foster and Cicero avenues, and local groups frequently organize workdays there, according to reporting by Block Club Chicago.
How to help and resources
Anyone with information about the assault or the suspect is urged to call 911 right away, police said. Survivors seeking confidential support can contact the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline at 1‑888‑293‑2080 or reach local advocacy groups for medical and legal assistance, according to Mujeres Latinas en Acción. Initial reporting on the attack was published by NBC Chicago.
