Police Release Sketch After Girl Is Raped In West Englewood
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police hope a new sketch will help them catch the man who attacked and sexually assaulted a young girl in broad daylight in the West Englewood neighborhood.
As WBBM Newsradio's Regine Schlesinger reports, the 13-year-old girl was walking to school in the 5900 block of South Wood Street around 8:45 am. Tuesday, when a man she didn't know came up and started chatting with her.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Regine Schlesinger reports
Podcast
The man then pulled out a blue steel handgun and forced the girl into a nearby alley, where he sexually assaulted her, police said.
The assailant then ran off.
Since the rape, community leaders have been passing out fliers to raise awareness.
Police are urging women and children not to walk alone, and are asking everyone to call 911 to report suspicious people, vehicles or activity.
Parents should identify safe havens on their children's routes to school, such as trusted neighbors or local businesses, police said. Police also advise calling the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy Implementation Office, at (312) 747-9987, to find out about starting a Parent Patrol or a Walking School Bus Program.
The assailant is described as an African-American male standing 5 feet 9 to 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a slim build and a light complexion. He was wearing a black hooded jacket and a black skullcap at the time of the attack, police said.
Anyone with information on the assault is asked to call Wentworth Area police detectives, at (312) 747-8380.
