Darrell Moore, 19, now faces charges in the incident.
Chicago police are also investigating whether Moore might be connected to other sexual assaults in the area.
For some residents, there was relief Saturday afternoon in the North Side neighborhood since the attacker accused of sexually assaulting a woman after breaking into her apartment was behind bars and charged with the crime.
"We're very relieved because it's pretty scary. There are other things happening in the neighborhood, too, people having their purses stolen, and it's just quite frightening," said Helen Bockweg, who lives in the area.
Moore, of the 8000-block of South St. Lawrence Avenue has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, home invasion, and possession of cannabis for allegedly committing the attack, which happened late Thursday, just after 11 p.m.
That's when investigators say officers responded to a 9-1-1 call about a possible disturbance and suspicious noises arrived to find, not only a purse on the back stairwell of the residence in the 1100-block of West Dickens Avenue, but also an open window.
"I heard voices and thought it might have been neighbors talking. I was sort of drifting in and out of sleep. I didn't think much of it, wishing I paid a little more attention," said Anna Wesolik, neighbor. "I'm definitely glad that they were able to find him and that police were on top of it. I'm grateful that we have a police department to keep us safe."
When officers went into the apartment to investigate, they say they caught the suspect in the act. He was taken into custody while his 28-year-old victim was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition.
Meanwhile, as area detectives continue to see if Moore could be connected to any other rapes, some women living in what's thought to be a quiet and safe Lincoln Park block say they've already made plans to move to a safer place.
"I'm moving to a high-rise with a 24-hour doorman and just secure entry throughout the building with key cards," said Jennifer Copeland.
