Palos Hills police: Teen arrested in series of attacks on women

PALOS HILLS, Ill. (WLS) -- Police in the southwest suburbs said they've arrested a 17-year-old they believe is behind a series of armed robberies and at least one sexual assault.

Palos Hills police arrested the teen at his home Wednesday after a cell phone stolen in one of the attacks was used.

Investigators believe he attacked three women in late August and early September, kidnapping each one at the same location and forcing them to drive to another location. Then, police say he robbed them, and in one case, sexually assaulted a woman.

Police believe he may have carried out similar attacks in Hickory Hills and Chicago.

"It's been a long time since we've had this type of a case. You have the occasional robbery, you have the occasional strong-arm robbery. Criminal sexual assaults are rare," said Chief Paul Madigan, Palos Hills Police Dept.

The teenager is charged with armed robbery, kidnapping and sexual assault. More charges are expected.