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Neighbors in Chicago's Logan Square concerned after 4 reported sexual assaults

For the fourth time in over two months, Chicago Police are warning of another sexual assault in the Logan Square neighborhood.  

Some neighbors say it's jarring knowing that a woman was attacked on their block. One of them said that taking out the trash is something she shouldn't be afraid to do.

"Just hearing that it's happening again, it's terrifying," said neighbor Anna Serrano.

Another block in Logan Square became the scene of another sexual assault.

Police say a 23-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by an unknown man inside a vehicle. The attacker is still on the loose.

The incident happened on Palmer Street near Kedzie Avenue on Sunday around 2 a.m. The victim was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center at last check in good condition.

"That's scary — especially in a car. I go in and out of my car late at night sometimes. Sometimes I go run to the store to get something that I forgot," said neighbor Wanda Victores. "Yeah, got to be more vigilant."  

This incident follows three other assaults earlier this year between Jan. 14 and Feb 2.

Police warn of fourth sex assault in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood 02:05

Police said the attacker approached women from behind, twice on the sidewalk and once inside an apartment building hallway, and sexually assaulted them. In two incidents, he was armed with a sharp object.

The attacks happened in the following locations:

  • 2800 block of West Bloomingdale Avenue on Jan. 18 around 3:10 a.m. 
  • 2600 block of North Troy Street on Feb. 2 around 3:40 a.m.
  • 3400 block of West Armitage Avenue on Jan. 14 around 9:30 a.m.

"It's concerning. I like to run late at night, and so I'm hesitant to do that, and I'm not wearing my headphones anymore because of that," neighbor Wanda Victores said.

"It always hits different when it's close to home, and this is very, very close to home," Serrano said.

Police on Thursday released a sketch of a suspect in the sexual assault on Armitage Avenue. He is described as a Hispanic or Filipino male with black hair and dark eyes, 20 to 30 years old, standing 5 feet 4 to 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a thin build and a possible accent.

logan-square-sex-assault-sketch.png
Chicago Police

Police did not confirm if the fourth attack was connected to the previous three. However, they're advising residents to be aware of their surroundings, secure gates and windows, and avoid rationalizing or confronting offenders.

Police hosted a regularly schedule beat meeting last month. Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th) was present.

Fuentes said she and another alderman sent a letter to Illinois State Police, asking to expedite rape kits.

"I think that's the least they can do. You know, this is something that's been going on a while, and the rates are increasing," said Serrano. "What, is this going to become an every-night thing?"

Anyone with information is asked to contact Grand Central Area detectives at 312-746-6554 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.

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