Community on edge as CPD investigates three attacks, including one sexual assault, in Logan Square
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A hunt is on to capture a serial attacker before police end up being called to another crime scene.
One woman was sexually assaulted, and two others were attacked, in the Logan Square neighborhood over the past months.
The attacks all happened within blocks along North Humboldt Boulevard in Logan Square. The same man is believed to be behind all three.
A 39-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in broad daylight last Friday afternoon in the 1600 block of North Humboldt Boulevard. Police said a man followed her into her building, grabbing her, throwing her head against the wall before sexually assaulting her.
Hours later, on Saturday around 3:30 a.m., that same man attacked again half a mile north on the 2000 block of North Humboldt Boulevard -- following a 36-year-old woman entering her building, grabbing her and putting a black bag over her head. Police said she fought him and screamed, and he then ran off.
The first attack happened weeks earlier on April 11, again on the 2000 block of North Humboldt Boulevard. The man got into a building, knocking on a 36-year-old woman's door asking if she knew if someone lived there.
He eventually tried to force himself into her home. When he failed, police said he pepper-sprayed her before running from her building.
As CBS 2's Jermont Terry reported, the safety alert on the attacks has left both men and women in Logan Square stunned and saddened.
Even on a weeknight, you can see plenty of people walking around in the Logan Square neighborhood.
"People are commuting back to work, and so people are walking back from trains and buses - so it's definitely a high active spot," said Carissa Helke.
Thus, Helke and her friends are astounded to learn one man is behind all the assaults.
"It's disheartening, but I'm constantly worried about something like this all the time, just being a woman," Helke said.
"it's scary to hear you know? Taking chances walking at night," added Jordan Cirone.
The man is described as weighing 170 pounds, standing between 5'6" and 5'10", and wearing dark clothing and a surgical mask.
"There's so many delivery drivers and construction people out there, he just wanted to like blend in and maybe make yourself not as noticeable," Helke said.
All of the victims say the man wore a safety vest – similar to a delivery driver or a construction crew.
"There's so many delivery drivers and construction people out there, he just wanted to like blend in and maybe make yourself not as noticeable," Helke said.
Police are worried the attacker might strike again, and they are really asking people – especially women – to be extra-alert when entering apartment buildings and getting out of their vehicles.