Woman sexually assaulted, left unconscious in Lawndale

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 42-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and left unconscious in a park early Tuesday morning on Chicago's West Side, police said.

"We was out sort of during the same time she was, but a little later. That could have happened to us. I'm very shocked and I'm very upset because that could have been one of us last night," said Stephanie Williams, a neighbor.

Officers found her in the 1100-block of South Independence Street in the city's Lawndale neighborhood around 12:45 a.m. A source said she was unresponsive and was discovered in a grassy area between the north and southbound lanes of traffic.

The victim was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was listed in good condition.

"I didn't hear anything as far as screaming or nothing. I ain't hear nothing like that. I just know this happened right in front of the house. I only looked outside my window and see all the police out here about 1:30 a.m.," said Rudy Saffold, another neighbor.

Investigators said she was attacked from behind as she walked through the area. The suspect allegedly sexually assaulted her before running away.

"I think they sick and they need help," said Monique Clay, who lives nearby. "Always be aware of your surroundings. You gotta be aware to be alive."

"It's happening everywhere now. It's happening everywhere, so I really can't say, you know? But it's a sad thing that happened right in front of your house," Saffold said.

Area North detectives have not yet released a description of the suspect. No one is in custody.