Evanston Police Investigate Sexual Assault

Police are still searching for a suspect who sexually assaulted a 19-year-old female at about 6 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, as she was walking on the south side of Howard Street in Evanston, according to a press release.

The victim, who was talking on her cell phone at the time of the incident, was reportedly grabbed around the waist by a man who dragged her across the street (to the Evanston side) and assaulted her in the gangway of a building in the 1700 block of Howard Street.

The victim was able to break free and run to the corner of Howard Street and Dodge Avenue where she flagged down a passing Chicago patrol officer who took her back to the scene and radioed for an Evanston officer.

The victim was transported to St. Francis Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and met by an Evanston Victim Advocate.

A description of the suspect was immediately broadcast and the area was searched by both Evanston and Chicago Police with negative results.

The suspect was described as a male/black, dark complexion, wearing a blue ball cap and black T-shirt.

Further investigation at the scene revealed that the victim’s purse, which had been dropped during the struggle, was missing. 

This incident continues to be investigated by Evanston Police Detectives. If the public has any information on this reported crime, please call the Evanston Police Department's Detective Bureau at (847) 866-5040 or anonymous tips can also be sent by text messaging to CRIMES (274637) followed by EPDTIP in the message line and then your tip information.

Information submitted by the Evanston Police Department