A woman who was one of three victims of sexual assault in Logan Square is now speaking out to help protect others. The 21-year-old woman, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, shared her story with the hope that it will help catch the man responsible. “I want to make sure all my friends stay safe,” she said.
The assault happened early Sunday morning while she was walking home from a nearby bar. She didn’t notice anything unusual, and as she entered her building around 3:40 a.m., a man followed her inside. At first, she thought it was a friend of her neighbor. But when the man pulled out a knife, she realized it wasn’t. The man demanded that she take off her jacket and assaulted her, holding the knife to her neck. She tried to get louder, but he pressed the knife closer every time.
When he left, he told her, “I’m across the street, so don’t call the cops.” After the man ran away, she didn’t see which way he went. Her roommate, who woke up to banging on the door, immediately called the police after hearing her story. The woman said she is focusing on sharing her experience to keep others safe.
Chicago police believe the same man is responsible for two other sexual assaults in the neighborhood. One attack took place on January 14 at 9:30 a.m., and another on January 18 at 3:10 a.m. In both cases, the man had a knife.
One of the victims, a friend of the second woman attacked, reported it to the police. He works at a local establishment and said he always tries to ensure everyone gets home safely. When he couldn’t reach his friend after she was supposed to check in, he rushed to help and found her hiding behind a dumpster.
Police have described the suspect as a man between 29 and 35 years old, about 5’6” to 5’10” tall, with short black hair, brown eyes, and an unshaven face. He was wearing a black hat or hoodie and a black surgical mask during the attack on Troy Street.
Neighbors in the area are worried. Some, like Mason Green, a father, are becoming more cautious for their loved ones’ safety. Others, like Demmi Gonzalez, who works late as a bartender, carry pepper spray and make sure to stay aware of their surroundings.
Local authorities have increased patrols in the area and are asking anyone with information to come forward. If you know anything, call 312-746-6554 or visit CPDTIP.com.