Woman’s Sexual Assault Spurs Warning from Alderman

A Lincoln Square alderman warned residents to pay attention particularly while on the phone after a sexual assault May 2.

Around 2 p.m. that day, a man approached a young woman at the corner of Clark and Devon Avenue. He grabbed her by the throat and forced her to walk to the 1500 block of West Highland Avenue, according to a notice from Ward 40 Ald. Patrick O'Connor.

There, the suspect sexually assaulted the woman and stole with her credit card and cell phone.

The victim described the suspect as a black man, approximately 35 to 40 years old, 300 pounds and about 5-foot-8. During the assault, the man was wearing a white polo shirt with red and blue strikes and jeans.

“Please remain alert to your surroundings at all times,” O’Connor said in an email to residents. “The prevalence of smartphones has contributed to our collective preoccupation while in public places. Take steps to ensure that you’re not leaving yourself open to theft or attack.”

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Anyone with tips can call police at (312) 744-8261.