Isidrio Valverde, 40, charged in Lincoln Park sexual assaults

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 40-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a young woman near Chicago's DePaul University campus appeared in court Saturday.

Isidrio Valverde was charged with aggravated criminal assault and faces several other charges because Chicago police said he hit an officer with his car while trying to avoid arrest.

Prosecutors said that Valverde was turned in by people who knew him. His arrest is being credited to the surveillance footage that captured the entire attack Thursday morning.

"You never want anyone like that roaming around in the neighborhood," said area resident Kathy Sherlock. "The fact that he was caught is great."

There was a collective sigh of relief in Lincoln Park Saturday as word spread that a man has been charged with the assault of a 21-year-old DePaul student early Thursday.

Valverde was in court today, charged with criminal sexual assault. We caught up to 43rd ward alderman michele smith at lincoln park high school earlier this morning.

"We only got the picture a couple of days ago and within a day he was apprehended," said Ald. Michele Smith, 43rd Ward. "We're going to be engaging in a very vigorous court advocacy program to bring this offender to justice."

Arrested in the uptown neighborhood Friday, prosecutors say Valverde, was turned in by people who recognized him from the surveillance photo released Thursday by police.

The entire attack, which took place as the victim was attempting to open her door on the 900-block of West Belden was caught on camera, but Valverde didn't go quietly. Investigators say he tried to run over one of the arresting police officers, and has been charged with that as well.

"Being able to identify somebody is a huge step in the right direction," said area resident Allie Breschi. "It kind of brought the community together. 'We need to find this guy, we need to make sure our streets are a little bit safer.'"

Investigators believe Valverde may be responsible for two other attacks, one on August 9 on the 1900-block of North Bissell, also in Lincoln Park, and another on the 100-block of West Goethe on August 15. He has not been charged with those cases.

The investigation into the two other cases continues. Meanwhile, prosecutors said that Valverde is a mechanic, married and a father of four. His next court date is set for Monday.