Police search for suspect who exposed himself to child walking on West Side

CHICAGO — Police are asking for help in the search for a person who exposed themselves to a child on the city’s West Side on Tuesday morning.

According to Chicago police, the incident unfolded between 8 and 8:30 a.m. in an area between the 3400 and 4000 blocks of West 16th Street, in North Lawndale.

Officers said the victim, a 12-year-old girl, was walking in the area when she spotted an unknown male driving in a grey vehicle.

Officers said the vehicle then pulled up alongside the child and the person inside exposed themselves.

Afterward, authorities say the individual followed the girl in his car as she walked several blocks before he finally fled in an unknown direction.

Officers are now offering a warning to residents in the area as the search continues for the individual involved.

Police say they believe the perpetrator was a Black male who had black hair worn in a fade style. He was spotted in a grey vehicle, though the make and model are unknown.

Police advise the public to remain aware of the incident and notify friends, family and 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 to or witness a crime should call 911 immediately and provide authorities with a detailed description of the offenders.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the CPD Special Investigations Unit at 312-492-3810 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.