Police Warn of Violent Assaults and Robberies in the South Loop

From Chicago Sun-times:

Police are warning women of recent series of violent assaults and robberies in the South Loop.

In each incident, at least one man approached a woman from behind, pushed or punched her in the face, knocked her to the ground and then took her purse, cellphone or case, Area Central detectives said in a community alert.

The robberies happened in the:

• 1500 block of South Wabash at 9:12 p.m. on Jan. 13; 

• 1500 block of South Indiana at 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 16; 

• 1900 block of South Indiana at 7:28 p.m. on Jan. 23; and 

• 1600 block of South Prairie at 8:12 p.m. on Jan. 27. 

The suspect or suspects are of two different age ranges— 18-20 or 30-35, police said. He is described as 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-10, and 150-200 pounds.

Police advise women to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious behavior immediately. If confronted by an assailant, victims should remain calm, and never pursue a fleeing attacker.

(Hat tip:  SS!)