Police Questioning Person Of Interest In Sex Assault Near Red Line
UPDATE: 11:41 a.m. 12/21/15
(CBS) -- Chicago Police say they are questioning a person of interest after a woman was sexually assaulted and robbed Red Line station on the North Side early Saturday morning.
On Sunday evening, police released surveillance images of the suspect.
Police say a 25-year-old woman exited the Jarvis Red Line station around 4:40 a.m. and was followed by the man, who grabbed her from behind in the 1400 block of West. Jarvis. The man displayed a handgun and forced the victim to a secluded area where he robbed and sexually assaulted her.
The suspect is described as a black man between 25-35 years old, approximately 5'8" tall weighing 185-200 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area North Detectives at (312) 744-8261.
On Monday morning, the group the Guardian Angels handed out flyers hoping to catch the suspect. The group is offering to escort riders concerned about their safety.
Miguel Fuentes, national director of the Guardian Angels, says he just sent police what could be a good tip.
"We were able to get street name of an individual in connection with this sexual assault and a street address where the guy lives and we've already forwarded that information to the police department," Fuentes said. "It may or may not be true, but the thing is the more information the police have, the better it is and the faster this person is apprehended."
CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli spoke with concerned commuters.
"We always have to be aware when we are on the train whether it's at 8 a.m. or 2 a.m. so I think the best thing we can do is watch out for ourselves and watch out for each other," said Jenn Sutherland.
"I'm definitely going to be a lot more cautious…but I'm definitely not surprised with this area," said Michelle Hidalgo. "I moved here a year ago and I've never felt completely safe so it doesn't really shock me."
