Chicago police are investigating two sexual attacks on women inside West Ridge Nature Park this week, prompting CPD to issue a community alert and increase security measures in the area.
According to a public safety statement from Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th), both cases involved a man approaching women, following them, and inappropriately touching them inside the park at 5801 North Western Avenue.
In the first incident, police said, a 53-year-old woman was walking in the park around 10:15 p.m. on Monday, August 4, when a man grabbed her from behind and fled on foot.
Two days later, around 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, a 33-year-old woman reported that a man struck her buttocks with his hand, causing pain. She ran away yelling for help, and the man began to follow her before fleeing the park.
Police describe the suspect as a heavyset man of unknown race between 20 and 45 years old, standing 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-11, with long black hair and a black beard. In the first incident, he wore a dark blue sweater, black sweatpants, and Nike sandals. In the second, he wore a flannel shirt and pants.
Anyone with information about the man is asked to contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8261.
