Sketch released of suspect wanted for sexually assaulting woman in LaBagh Woods

Worries after woman sexually assaulted at Chicago forest preserve: 'That's scary'

Police are looking for a man who sexually assaulted a woman over the weekend in LaBagh Woods on Chicago's Northwest Side.

CHICAGO - Police are looking for a man who sexually assaulted a woman over the weekend in LaBagh Woods.

Sketch released of sexual assault suspect

What we know:

The sexual assault happened around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday off-trail in a heavily wooded area in the eastern side of the preserve, roughly 500 feet from the parking lot.

 

The 29-year-old woman who was attacked was taken to Swedish Covenant Hospital and has since been released.

On Tuesday, police released a sketch of the suspect, who is described as a white male about 6 feet tall with a long brown and blond beard reaching to his chest. He was wearing a dark shirt, a black beanie hat, dark sunglasses and a zip-up black jacket with a red stripe on the shoulder.

Forest Preserves police have been canvassing the area along with Chicago police and Cook County Sheriff's police. Forest Preserves police have increased car patrols and ATV and bicycle patrols in the area.

Residents who frequent the preserve say they were shocked to learn the assault happened in the middle of the day while families were nearby celebrating the holiday weekend.

"Really? Oh my God, that’s insane. I kind of don’t want to walk here anymore. That’s crazy," one resident said.

Kyra Nono, who says she spends several hours a week at LaBagh Woods, said the incident has changed how many women now view the preserve.

"It’s concerning. I just feel like it’s a safe neighborhood, so I feel like I see a lot of women just alone, so that’s scary," Nono said.

Since the attack, Forest Preserve officers, Chicago police and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office have increased patrols throughout the area, including ATV and bicycle units.

Cristina, another resident who learned about the assault Sunday, said she and her husband have decided to run together moving forward.

"Personally, yes, I’m scared. I didn’t see people running today, no women around, maybe only one or two people," she said.

Residents say what makes the attack especially disturbing is that it happened in broad daylight near areas that are often crowded on weekends.

What you can do:

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact Cook County dispatch at (847) 635-1188.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cook County dispatch.