Woman Speaks Out After She, 2 Others Are Sexually Assaulted in Logan Square
Victim Shares Her Story in Hopes of Protecting Others
One of three women who were sexually assaulted in Logan Square is speaking out in hopes that sharing her story will help protect others.
Assault on Troy Street
The woman, 21, told the Sun-Times on Tuesday that she was walking home from a nearby bar early Sunday and did not notice anything out of the ordinary.
“I don’t remember anyone following me,” she said.
She entered the door of her building in the 2600 block of North Troy Street about 3:40 a.m. and was standing near the entrance of her unit when someone walked in behind her. At first, she thought it was a friend of her upstairs neighbor, but then the man pulled out a small knife.
She thought she was being robbed and tried to hand over her purse, but the man instead told her to take off her jacket and proceeded to assault her.
“The knife is on my neck the whole time,” she told the Sun-Times. “Every time I tried to get louder, he would press it closer.”
When he eventually left, he told the woman, “I’m across the street, so don’t call the cops.”
He ran away, but she didn’t see which way he went.
Police Investigation
Chicago police say the same man is responsible for at least two other sexual assaults reported in the neighborhood.
The first was Jan. 14 at 9:30 a.m. on a sidewalk in the 3400 block of West Armitage Avenue. The second attack was Jan. 18 in the 2800 block of West Bloomingdale Avenue at 3:10 a.m.
In the West Bloomingdale Avenue case, the man was also armed with a knife, police said.
Community Reaction
Mason Green, 59, moved into the neighborhood about three months ago. Already a watchful father, he said news of the recent attacks has caused him to be even more alert for the safety of his daughter, who is a senior in high school.
“I watch her leave in the mornings to drive to school, and I let her park in the garage in my space when she comes over,” Green said. “Now I’m going to be extra vigilant.”
Demmi Gonzalez, 26, has lived in the area for two years. Threats have always been at the back of her mind, she said, because she commutes via the CTA and works as a bartender, sometimes walking home late at night.
“It’s definitely something that I’ve always considered in my travels around the city, so it’s made me more aware of my surroundings and making sure I have some form of weapon on me to make sure I’m taking care of myself,” she said, adding that she carries pepper spray.
“I always check behind me when I’m walking down the street,” Gonzalez said. “I try to stay on major streets, even if it makes my commute a little longer. Or maybe just take an Uber to avoid any potential threats.”
Conclusion
The recent sexual assaults in Logan Square have left the community on edge. The victim who spoke out hopes that her story will help protect others and bring the perpetrator to justice.
FAQs
Q: What is the description of the suspect?
A: The suspect is described as unshaven, with short black hair, brown eyes, and between ages 29 and 35. He stands between 5 foot 6 and 5 foot 10.
Q: What should I do if I see the suspect?
A: If you see the suspect, do not approach him. Instead, call 911 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.
Q: How can I stay safe in the neighborhood?
A: To stay safe in the neighborhood, be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and consider carrying a form of self-defense, such as pepper spray. You can also take an Uber or use public transportation to avoid walking alone.
Q: How can I get more information about the investigation?
A: You can get more information about the investigation by contacting the Chicago Police Department or by visiting their website.
