Woman sexually assaulted in Brighton Park, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are searching for a man who sexually assaulted a 37-year-old woman in the Brighton Park neighborhood.

Police originally stated the victim was 14 years old. They apologized for the error.

Investigators said the man pulled up alongside the woman in a black Pontiac while she was walking to a store in the 4300-block of S. Sacramento around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Police said he engaged her in conversation, then exited his vehicle, held a cloth to her face and sexually assaulted her.

Investigators said the victim fell unconscious during the attack and awoke in the man's car. He then pointed a gun at her and told her to leave.

People who live in the neighborhood were shocked and upset by the news and are worried for their safety.

"It's scary. It's scary because nothing like that usually happens around here. It's a quiet neighborhood," said Alida Ramos, a neighbor.

The suspect is described by police as a Hispanic male around 40 years old. He was wearing a black hat with red lettering and had diamond stud earrings in each ear.

"I'm trying to remember if I remember anyone like that or seen anyone like that. Because I mean mostly in this neighborhood, everybody knows everybody," said Diana Perez, another neighbor.

"It's surprising nobody saw. There's a lot of people out, especially at night," said Cesar Lopez, who also lives nearby.

The Brighton Park Neighborhood Council works closely with Chicago police. The neighborhood group is helping get the word out about the attack and the suspect's description.

"This kind of event just kind of reminds us about the importance of having a unified neighborhood and fighting for more neighborhood resources and services to prevent this kind of thing," said Sara Reschly, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council.

The Brighton Park Neighborhood Council is alerting residents as well as schools in the area, since they say some principals and teachers live in the neighborhood.

Police are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8380.