Chicago Police released a sketch of the man police say raped a young girl this week on her way to school in West Englewood.
A 13-year-old girl was attacked at gunpoint Tuesday as she walked in the 5900 block of South Wood Street, police said.
The man approached her, started talking to her, then pulled out a handgun and forced the girl into a nearby alley, police said. He sexually assaulted her before running off.
As police search for the suspect, community members handed out fliers Thursday morning warning students and parents of the attack.
"We're going to stand up, we're going to help the Chicago Police Department," said community activist Andrew Holmes.
They urge students to walk in groups or with parents, to stay off cell phones and iPods, and avoid talking to anyone they don't know.
"It's action time," Holmes said. "These sexual assaults are going on every day."
The offender is described as a black male between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-11 with a slim build and light complexion. He was wearing a black hooded jacket and black skull cap.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 312-747-8380.
