Attacker Fled When Girl's Cellphone Rang: Cops

CHICAGO, IL — Police are searching for a man who is accused of trying to sexually assault a girl as she was walking home from school on the West Side. The attacker was scared off when the victim's cellphone rang during the assault, according to a community alert sent by Chicago police Thursday morning.

The attack happened around 7:40 p.m. Wednesday in the 5500 block of West West End Avenue. The girl was heading home when the attacker ran up to her, grabbed her and pulled her into an alley, according to police.

In the alley, the man threw the victim against a wall and started to unbuckle and take off his pants, police said. But the victim's cellphone rang, and the attacker fled the scene, according to the alert. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for the West Side and Chicago — or other neighborhoods. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Police described the suspect as a bearded black man between the ages of 45 and 60, about 5-feet-7-inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds. He was wearing black cargo pants, a gray, zip-up hooded sweatshirt and gym shoes during the attack.

The victim's age was not given by police, and the alert did not mention if she was hurt in the attack.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Area North detectives at 312-744-8200. Anonymous tips also can be sent via tipsoft.com.

Photo via Shutterstock

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