Chicago police are asking for the public’s help tracking down a man they say sexually abused a 6-year-old girl in West Chatham on Sunday evening. The attack happened around 7:40 p.m. on the 100 block of W. 87th Street, when the suspect allegedly pretended to fall, grabbed the girl and used his bare hand to sexually abuse her, according to police.
Suspect description and how to tip
Investigators described the suspect as a Black man about 40–45 years old, weighing roughly 180–200 pounds and wearing a gray-and-black baseball cap, a light blue shirt, gray pants and black gym shoes. The incident involved a 6-year-old girl and occurred around 7:40 p.m. on the 100 block of W. 87th Street, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit at 312-492-3810. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CPDTIP.com using the reference number JK302553.
Context and similar reports
The alert comes amid other recent reports of alleged sexual offenses against children in the city. Earlier this month, on June 2, police said a man followed two boys into a restroom at a discount store in Portage Park and abused them, as reported by CBS Chicago. Detectives in both cases have urged residents to check surveillance footage and share anything that might help move the investigations forward.
What police are telling residents
Police are asking parents and caregivers to keep children close in public spaces, stay alert to suspicious behavior and call 911 in an emergency. They are also calling on residents and drivers near 87th Street who have home security cameras or dashcams to review their footage from around the time of the incident and pass along any potentially useful clips.
Officials stressed that members of the public should not try to confront anyone matching the suspect description. Instead, they say, call police immediately and let investigators handle it.
