Alert issued after home invasions, sexual assaults in West Ridge

CHICAGO — A community alert was issued by police after a series of home invasions and sexual assaults in West Ridge.

Police believe the same suspect is responsible for five incidents with the first happening on the day after Christmas and the last happening on Friday.

A timeline of the incidents is below, per Chicago police.

• Dec. 26 at 2:50 a.m., 6200 block of North Bell Avenue — Man sexually assaults victim after breaking into residence armed with a knife. Items were stolen as well.
• Jan. 25 at 11:29 p.m., 2300 block of West Arthur Avenue — Man breaks into residence and steals items.
• March 25 at 9:03 p.m., 6200 block of North Artesian Avenue — Man armed with a knife steals an item from a woman walking into her home.
• March 25 at 9:20 p.m., 6200 block of North Oakley Avenue — Man sexually assaults woman at knifepoint and steals items from her.
• April 25 at 8:55 p.m., 6100 block of North Campbell Avenue — Man sexually assaults woman at knifepoint and steals items from her.

The suspect is described as an African American man, 23 to 35, 5’8″ to 6’1″, wearing a dark-hooded jacket, dark pants, dark shoes with a face mask. He has potentially fled the area on a bike.

Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.