Chicago Police warn of serial sexual assaults in Logan Square
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police issued a community alert Sunday about a man who sexually assaulted three women in the Logan Square neighborhood over the past few weeks.
In each attack, the attacker approached his victims from behind — and he was armed with a sharp object in two of the three attacks, police said.
Two of the attacks happened on the sidewalk, the third in the hallway of the woman's apartment building, police said.
The attacks happened at the following times and locations:
- In the 3400 block of West Armitage Avenue at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14.
- In the 2800 block of West Bloomingdale Avenue at 3:10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.
- In the 2600 block of North Troy Street at 3:40 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2.
Sue Garstki has taught self-defense at Krav Maga Illinois for more than a decade.
"We are an actual self-defense school where people of any size, any gender, career can come here — and they are all like-minded," said Gatstki.She heard about these assaults in the area.
"Most of the attacks happened from behind, which is a very common way for someone to be attacked," said Garstki.
Garstki said her number one tip is awareness.
"You need to be aware of your situation," she said. "No one is exempt from a self-defense encounter. We can't ever be too safe or feel too safe. It could happen to anyone."
The attacker is described as a male white Hispanic between the ages of 29 and 35 standing between 5 feet 6 and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 150 to 175 pounds. He is unshaven with short black hair and brown eyes, and wears dark clothing, police said.
Anyone with information should call Grand Central Area detectives at 312-746-6554 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com and use reference RD# JJ114483, JJ119094, JJ135453.
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) released a statement Monday on the assaults:
"My office has been in contact with our 14th District Police regarding this string of disturbing sexual assault incidents in Logan Square, including one incident in the 35th Ward. Area Five Detectives are working diligently to investigate these assaults, and they and the 14th District have devoted resources to increase patrols in the area and continue the investigation. I urge anyone who may have information to reach out to Area Five Detectives at 312-746-6554."
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st), who also represents part of the area, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Police late Monday said no new information was available.