Police Release New Information in West Town Attack

New information is emerging in the case of a man who punched a woman in the face and then sexually assaulted her in the city’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood.

Chicago police released a surveillance photo connected to the crime on Wednesday in an effort to find the man responsible for the heinous act.

Meanwhile, residents of the neighborhood are issuing a call to action in the aftermath of the attack.

“It’s been scary,” resident Jam Doughty said.

Doughty lives just blocks from where the attack took place in the 2200 block of West Chicago Avenue. In the early morning attack, which took place at a CTA bus stop earlier this month, a man allegedly punched a woman in the face and then sexually assaulted her before escaping.

A surveillance photo released Wednesday is believed to show the man responsible, and officials are hoping that the distinct pattern of the man’s pants may help someone to identify him.

The attack is one of several crimes in the greater West Town area in recent months.

Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins believes that the increase in crime is due to the closing of the 13th District police station, which was located near the intersection of Augusta and Wood.

Hopkins has started an online petition calling for the station to reopen, and it’s already gotten more than 1400 signatures.

“We have a new criminal element that’s feeling emboldened,” he said. “(They’re) likely to get away (and) not get caught. We have to change that, and send the message that you will go to jail.”

In the meantime, people in the area continue to take extra precautions to prevent such an attack from happening again.

“I suppose (people should) keep their eyes open, and to make sure people I know are paying attention,” she said. “I’m not sure what else I can do.” 

Contact Us