Sketch released in attempted sexual assault in Portage Park
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By Tisha Lewis, FOX 32 News reporter - bio | email
Authorities released this sketch of a man suspected of trying to sexually assault a woman Feb. 7, in the Northwest Side Portage Park neighborhood. (Chicago Police)
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Chicago Police released a composite sketch - the face of a man who investigators say ambushed a 24-year-old woman, removed her clothing and attempted to sexually assault her.
He's in his 40's, 5'6 with brown hair and brown eyes and weighs 130 pounds. What's most concerning - he's on the run prompting a community alert for a Portage Park neighborhood. On the same block where the brazen attack happened, Fox 32's Tisha Lewis interviewed Lindsay Melvin and Alicia Cruz - concerned about the crime so close.
"Scared, like this is my neighborhood. I don't want to walk alone. Nervous," said Melvin.
Neither recognized the man in the sketch but they did share advice on how they stay safe, starting by walking in pairs.
"Like I don't want to be alone. Never. It's nerve-wrecking…Keep my eyes open, be alert, don't get distracted," said Melvin.
Detectives issued a community alert hoping to warn residents on the 5100 block of West Grace Street where the assault happened. Cruz is not just concerned about her own safety but also her children's.
"I've been here for eleven years and now I have two kids so it's kind of scary to know that something like that could actually happen in the morning at 11:30am in the morning, that's kind of scary," said Cruz.
Chicago police urge residents who see something to say something.
· Call police to report any suspicious people or activity.
· Walk in pairs.
· Be aware of your surroundings.
"I usually wear headphones, I keep them low to make sure I can hear and always look behind me because I do take the bus and walk and stuff," said Cruz.
Police say the vehicle used in the attack was a Chevrolet Tahoe or Trailblazer, black in color, with "sport" white lights. If you have any information about this incident, please call the Area North Bureau of Detectives at 312-744-8261.
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Authorities released this sketch of a man suspected of trying to sexually assault a woman Feb. 7, in the Northwest Side Portage Park neighborhood. (Chicago Police)
