Police are searching for an attacker after a woman reported being sexually assaulted inside Wrigleyville's The Irish Oak bar over the weekend.
The 27-year-old woman told police she was pushed into a bathroom stall and assaulted in the lower level of the bar, located in the 3500 block of North Clark Street, just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
The woman was treated at a local hospital.
Police are reviewing surveillance video provided by the bar, but it's not clear if there are any leads on a suspect. They said the victim was conscious but intoxicated after the attack, but it's not known if she knew the attacker.
Kevin Feldman, who manages a nearby bar on Clark Street said such crimes affect all the local bars.
"I think all the bars work as a team together, and pass the word along to each other. We try to make it a safe, fun environment, and we also we work hands-on with the police department," Feldman said.
Neighborhood residents said they weren't surprised to hear of the news of the crime, though.
"It can happen anywhere, unfortunately, but especially here, because there's a lot of drinking involved," Kara Johnson said. "These incidents are increasing, so whenever I hear something, especially close to home, of course I'm going to be looking out around to see what's going on around me."
Resident Jaime Gandolni pointed to the rowdy reputation the neighborhood has earned.
"It's obnoxious, but I mean that's part of the lure of it, what people want it to be," Jaime Gandolni said.
