Authorities offer warning to West Side residents after string of groping incidents by scooter rider

CHICAGO — Authorities are offering a warning to residents on the West Side after a string of groping incidents involving an individual who officers say was riding a shared scooter at the time.

According to police, the incidents unfolded between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15 in Humboldt Park and Garfield Park.

Officers said during each incident, the individual responsible approached the victims while riding on a green and white Lime scooter before groping them and fleeing the scene.

During some of the incidents, officers said the individual responsible even attempted to cause a crash with other scooter riders and also approached victims as they were walking or waiting on public transportation.

Chicago police provided the following list of dates and locations where the alleged incident occurred:

• 1100 block of North Hamlin Avenue, in Humboldt Park, on Friday, Aug. 15, at 7:50 p.m.
• 800 block of South Sacramento Boulevard, in Garfield Park, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 9 a.m.
• 3700 block of West Polk Street, in Garfield Park, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 3:26 p.m.
• 900 block of South Central Park Avenue, in North Lawndale, on Monday, Sept. 15, at 10:23 p.m.
• 300 block of South Kedzie Avenue, in Garfield Park, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 8:40 a.m.

Officers say they believe the individual is a Black male between the ages of 18 and 25, who stands between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-11 and weighs between 150 and 170 pounds.

During some of the incidents, the individual was spotted wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt or a blue jacket with an unknown design as well as a black or blue mask that covers the face.

Police advise the public to remain aware of the incident and notify friends, family or coworkers who work or live in the area where it unfolded.

Police also advise the public to remain aware of their surroundings and pay attention to suspicious individuals or loitering vehicles.

According to officers, anyone who is confronted by an assailant should try to remain calm.

Authorities warn the public never to pursue a fleeing assailant and instead work to remember any unique physical characteristics of the offenders. 

Police say those who fall victim or witness a crime should call 911 immediately and provide authorities with a detailed description of the offenders.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CPD Area Four detectives at 312-746-8251 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help detectives in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.