Two Passersby Help Woman Escape From Rape Attempt Near Midway
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two good samaritans were able to help an 18-year-old woman fight off a man who tried to rape her near Midway International Airport earlier this week.
CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports the woman was walking from the CTA's Orange Line station at Midway around 1 a.m. Monday, when a man approached her in the 4600 block of West 59th Street. The suspect threw her to the ground and hit her in the head.
The man tried to rape her, but two people passing by the area helped her escape, and the suspect fled the scene.
Leena Moore said she was surprised to hear about an attempted rape so close to the Orange Line station at Midway.
"It's real secure around here. You always see police walking around … and security's really good around here," she said.
Local resident Nora Heuilar, however, said she wasn't surprised, "because everywhere sometimes crime happens."
Others said they will take more precautions after hearing of the attack.
"Just be aware of your surroundings, that's it," Neydan Hernandez said.
Police issued a community alert about the attack. The suspect was described as a 20- to 25-year-old Hispanic man, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He stands about 5-foot-5, and weighs about 200 pounds. He was wearing a red baseball cap, red shirt, and blue pants.
Anyone with information about the attack or the suspect should call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
