A quiet early-morning run on Chicago’s 606 Trail turned into a street-side takedown when neighbors chased and detained a man accused of attacking a jogger, authorities said. Residents held the 56-year-old suspect until officers arrived, and the woman he allegedly assaulted was taken to a neighborhood health center in fair condition.
The confrontation unfolded shortly after 7 a.m. on June 28 near the western edge of the Bloomingdale Trail, in the 1700 block of North Lawndale Avenue, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Court records identified the man as 56-year-old Ricardo Colon and state that he faces felony counts related to aggravated criminal sexual abuse causing bodily harm.
According to court filings reviewed by reporters, Colon allegedly grabbed the 32-year-old runner from behind, put her in a chokehold, threw her to the ground and groped her twice before she managed to break free and scream for help, as detailed in a proffer by a Cook County prosecutor. Prosecutors said the woman suffered bruises and a twisted ankle and was taken to a Humboldt Park-area medical facility for treatment, according to CBS Chicago.
Neighbors chased and held the suspect
Neighbors living across from the trail told authorities they were jolted awake by the victim’s screams. A woman ran outside gripping an aluminum baseball bat while her husband called 911, prosecutors said. The husband and another bystander then chased Colon after he ran from the trail entrance and, with the help of another neighbor, managed to detain him until Chicago police officers arrived and took him into custody, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
Charges and court status
Authorities say Colon is charged with felony counts related to aggravated criminal sexual abuse causing bodily harm and appeared for a detention hearing on June 30, where court records show prosecutors asked that he be held until trial. During that hearing, prosecutors’ proffer also referenced a prior domestic-battery incident and statements Colon allegedly made to investigators, details that were reported by CBS Chicago.
The trail and safety
The 606, the elevated Bloomingdale Trail that runs roughly 2.7 miles across Chicago’s northwest side, is a heavily used path for runners, walkers and cyclists. The attack occurred near one of its western access points. Community members and trail users have long viewed the route as both a greenway and a neighborhood connector, and incidents like this are likely to stir renewed concern about safety during early-morning and off-peak hours, according to background information from The 606. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the case to contact Chicago police.
