2 women groped in Ravenswood within hours, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police are warning residents after two women were groped within hours while walking in the Ravenswood neighborhood on Chicago's North Side.

Police said a woman was walking near Sunnyside and Damen around 11:20 p.m. on July 26 when a man reached under her skirt and touched her inappropriately. The man fled southbound down an alley when the woman began screaming, police said.

Police said a similar incident was reported near Damen and Lawrence later that night. A woman told police a man grabbed her from behind around 2 a.m. and hugged her, then touched her inappropriately with one hand while trying to reach under her dress. She was able to break free and the man fled southbound down Damen and westbound down Lawrence.

Police said the man is 19-30 years old, 5'7" to 5'8" with a slim build and short dark hair. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white t-shirt and dark jeans in one instance and a white t-shirt and dark shorts in the other, police said.

Police are warning residents to be aware of their surroundings and to travel in well-populated areas.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area North detectives at (312) 744-8261. Anonymous tips can be submitted to TIPSOFT.COM.