Oak Park’s South Lyman block is on edge after police say a young girl was sexually assaulted in broad daylight Wednesday in an alley in the 1100 block. Officers were called around 12:24 p.m., and investigators say a man on a bicycle came up behind the girl, grabbed her, and, after a struggle, reached his hand into her shorts. Officers searched the surrounding area but could not find the attacker, and the department has boosted patrols around the alley.
Police sketch out suspect, search for video
According to NBC Chicago, the suspect is described as a man in his 20s, possibly of Hispanic or Indian descent, wearing a black shirt and colorful shorts and riding a gray bicycle. Police say they have increased patrols in the area and are asking anyone with video that might show vehicles leaving the alley or the incident itself to get it to detectives as soon as possible.
How neighbors can share tips
Residents with video, photos or other details are asked to send them to investigators through the Village of Oak Park’s anonymous tip portal or by calling the police non-emergency line. The village’s crime-tip page walks users through how to upload footage and information and offers the option to leave contact details if you want a detective to follow up. Police say checking doorbell and security-camera clips from around midday Wednesday could be especially useful.
Earlier spring assault raises fears
The case comes on the heels of a separate April incident in which Oak Park police investigated a man on a bicycle who allegedly sexually assaulted a juvenile on the 700 block of Lake Street, as reported by the Wednesday Journal. That earlier assault sparked a police probe and stirred concern among neighbors about attacks in alleys and near side streets.
Investigation, charges and legal backdrop
Police have classified the incident as a criminal sexual assault, and detectives in the Investigations Division are leading the case. NBC Chicago reported that anyone with information can contact Detective Smith at 708-358-5545 or [email protected]. Under Illinois law, criminal sexual assault is generally a Class 1 felony, with aggravated circumstances carrying stiffer penalties, according to the Illinois General Assembly.
Oak Park police say stepped-up patrols will continue around the South Lyman alley while detectives chase down leads. Neighbors are being urged to stay alert and report anything that could help the investigation to the department or through the village’s online tip portal.
