Man charged in attacks on women with strollers in Rogers Park

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Hassan Flowers has been charged with one felony count of attempted criminal sexual assault and one felony count of aggravated battery in a public place, police confirm, after he allegedly attacked two different mothers in Rogers Park.

Flowers allegedly attacked the two women who were pushing their babies in strollers within a five minute span Monday morning. Flowers allegedly grabbed the first victim, a 17-year-old woman, around her waist from behind, pulled her away from her stroller, grabbed her hair and tried to force her to the ground. According to Assistant State's Attorney Beth Novy he ran after the victim struck him in the throat with her elbow.

He allegedly attacked the second victim a 24-year-old woman, seven blocks away. Flowers allegedly grabbed the second victims hair and pushed her to the ground, knocking over her stroller. He allegedly punched her in the face, overpower her and tried to stifle her screams with his hand.

The second victim's screams were heard by two men and rushed to help. They subdued Flowers in the 1700-block of West Pratt Blvd. until police arrived to arrest him.

According to prosecutors, the day before these attacks Flowers followed a woman into a restroom where he grabbed her from behind and hit her. He fled after she screamed.