FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS
Chicago Police have issued a community alert for the Near Northwest Side Bucktown area, after a man armed with a knife sexually assaulted a woman early Wednesday as she left a CTA El station and was headed home. The offender in that assault matches the description of a man suspected in two previous sexual assaults in the neighborhood.
About 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, the man sexually assaulted a woman on the 2100 block of North Maplewood Avenue, shortly after she had exited the Blue Line El Station located at Western/Milwaukee/Armitage Avenues and was walking home.
This man may have also been involved in a sexual assault that occurred on the 2300 block of West Moffat on February 5 and a sexual assault that occurred on the 1700 block of North Marshfield on September 26, 2008, police said.
The offender in all three incidents is described as a Black male, 20 to 30 years old, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8, 180 to 200 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, a medium to dark complexion and a goatee. The man was armed with a knife, as well, police said. In the most recent incident the offender was wearing an oversized dark jacket of an unknown color.

FROM ALERT SENT FROM 1ST WARD ALDERMAN MANNY FLORES
The 14th Police District is vigorously investigating and placing special attention to this matter. My office is communicating with 14th Police District and coordinating with Alderman Waguespack's office. We have also made the CTA aware of these incidents and requested additional security measures be taken. We remind constituents to be vigilant and call 911 if you see anything suspicious. If you have any information about these incidents, please call Area 5 detectives at (312) 746-8282 or my office at (773) 278-0101. Please remember that you can provide information and remain anonymous.
 
Safety Tips
 
- Make other residents in your area aware of this incident
- Walk, ride or jog with a partner. Avoid dark, isolated places.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings. DO NOT USE ANY HEADPHONES or DEVICES that decrease your ability to hear. Limit your need to carry bags, purses or parcels.
- Have house and car keys ready for use. Carry a personal safety alarm.

The next CAPS meeting for the area that includes the Western Blue Line "L" Station (Beat 1434)
Thursday, February 26th at 7 p.m.
Bucktown/Wicker Park Branch Library
1701 N. Milwaukee

The next CAPS meeting for the area that includes the 2100 block of N. Maplewood (Beat 1431)
Thursday, March 5th at 7 p.m.
14th Police District
2150 N. California.