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.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:51:02 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:38:56 GMT
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:20:38 GMT
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:26:18 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:10:22 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:20:38 GMT
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:26:18 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:20 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:20:58 GMT
A man who tried to rob three women with a knife in the River North area Thursday night was apprehended by police who spotted him downtown soon after the crimes.
A man who tried to rob three women with a knife in the River North area Thursday night was apprehended by police who spotted him downtown soon after the crimes.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:59 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:59:20 GMT
A 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting Thursday night in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, authorities said. The shooting happened about 9 p.m. in the 8600 block of South Ashland Avenue, according to
A 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting Thursday night in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, authorities said.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:44:24 GMT
Police in northwest suburban Park Ridge say a 63-year-old Chicago man conducted a fictitious business that defrauded people in at least four states and they are now looking for additional victims.
Police in northwest suburban Park Ridge say a 63-year-old Chicago man conducted a fictitious business that defrauded people in at least four states and they are now looking for additional victims.
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)
