Teen Arrested In Connection With 2 South Evanston Incidents

EVANSTON, IL — A teen boy was arrested Wednesday night during an undercover operation connected to an investigation into two incidents of sexual harassment reported in south Evanston, according to police.

The first report came from the area of Custer Street and Brummel Street, where a woman told police a male riding a bicycle approached her, grabbed her buttocks and fled. In the second report, near Sherman Avenue and South Boulevard, a woman reported that a male exposed himself while following her before fleeing.

Detectives recovered video footage related to the incidents.

Members of the Evanston Police Department's Special Operations Group later saw a person who matched the suspect's description and was wearing the same clothing seen in video footage from the Oct. 5 incidents. Police said members of the Special Operations Group and Investigations Division watched him ride a bicycle through south Evanston and into Chicago.

As part of the operation, an undercover detective was assigned to walk near Wolcott and Estes Avenues in Chicago. Police said the suspect rode his bicycle past her several times before approaching her and grabbing her buttocks. Officers arrested him after a foot chase.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved the following charges: one Class 4 felony count of criminal sexual abuse and one Class 2 felony count of aggravated battery to a police officer.

Following juvenile detention screening, detectives were advised that the boy would be released to a parent pending a juvenile court appearance. His identity is being withheld because he is a juvenile.

The investigation into the two Oct. 5 incidents remains ongoing, police said. Anyone with information about the incidents is encouraged to contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000. Tips may also be submitted by texting CRIMES to 275637 and beginning the message with EPDTIP.