Police Investigate Unwanted Sex Act Claim At Evanston Firehouse

EVANSTON, Ill. (STMW) -- Evanston police have opened an investigation into a 26-year-old woman's claims that she was the victim of an unwanted sexual act by an on-duty Evanston firefighter early Saturday at one of the northern suburb's fire stations, Pioneer Press is reporting.

Police are conducting a criminal investigation after consulting the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, said Cmdr. Jay Parrott, the department's public information officer.

Parrott said the victim previously met the firefighter online through a dating website.

Once Evanston detectives complete the investigation, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office Felony Review Unit will be consulted again to determine if charges will be filed, Parrott said.

The name of the firefighter, who has been placed on paid administrative leave, will not be released pending the investigation, Parrott said, and will not be published unless charges are filed.

Fire Chief Greg Klaiber declined to comment.

The incident reportedly took place at about 1 a.m. while other firefighters were asleep at Fire Station 1, 1332 Emerson St.

Department rules prohibit bringing in private visitors to stations after 8 p.m., unless there is supervision.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)