Less than a month after Chicago police solved a serial rapist case in Logan Square, there is a new predator to worry about. This time, the attacks are happening in a concentrated area of West Ridge, just west of Rogers Park.
In a new community alert, CPD warns about a masked man who arms himself with a knife to rob and sexually assault women inside and near their homes during the nighttime hours. Four women have been targeted since late last year.
The first known case was reported on the day after Christmas in the 6200 block of North Bell. The man broke into a woman’s first-floor residence around 2:50 a.m. and “made unlawful sexual contact” with her while armed with a knife, the alert said. He took the woman’s keys and PlayStation before leaving.
On January 25, he burglarized a residence in the 2300 block of West Arthur around 11:29 p.m. The CPD alert does not mention any contact between the victim and the offender in this incident.
He struck again around 9:03 p.m. on March 25 in the 6200 block of North Artesian. CPD said the man displayed a knife and stole an item from a woman as she entered her building. About 20 minutes later, he targeted another woman as she entered a residence in the 6200 block of North Oakley. He robbed her and “committed unlawful sexual contact” before leaving the area.
Most recently, a woman was targeted in the 6100 block of North Campbell around 8:55 p.m. on April 25. Once again, a woman was walking into her residence when the man confronted her with a knife, “committed unlawful sexual contact,” and took her valuables.
CPD described the suspect as a Black man between 23 and 35 years old, who stands 5’8 “to 6’1” tall. He usually wears a dark hoodie, dark pants, and dark shoes with a mask that covers part of his face. The first victim reported that the man may have had face tattoos. At least one victim said the man fled on a bike that had fat tires.
Detectives from Area Three are handling the investigation. They can be contacted at 312-744-8261 or 312-744-8263 regarding crime pattern #P25-3-022.
