On Saturday, Feb. 11, just after 5 a.m., senior Katie awoke to a six-foot man standing in the hallway of her apartment, just outside her bedroom door. The man entered her room brandishing a butcher knife from the block in her kitchen. Katie shouted at the man, trying to elicit his identity.
"He then came into my room and said, 'Put the blankets over your head, don't scream, where's your purse?' Katie said.
Katie, whose last name has been omitted for her protection, said she couldn't remember where her purse was, so the man asked for her wallet, which had one dollar in it. The suspect then moved toward Katie's bed and told her to lie on her stomach. The assailant then put something, possibly clothing, over Katie's face and continuously ordered her to be quiet. The suspect threatened her with his knife until Katie took the knife from him without force and then the assailant left through the back door, promising to return.
According to campus safety, this was not the only incident of violence against women in the Loyola area that occurred that weekend. On Sunday Feb. 12, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a Loyola student walking home along Farwell Avenue was pulled down from behind by the hair, dragged about 10 feet into the grass, sexually assaulted and forced to perform oral sex on her attacker.
Representatives in Alderman Joe Moore's 49th-ward office said they have a serious concern for Rogers Park residents' safety.
Katie's apartment lies on a particular intersection that is a growing concern for Moore's office.
Moore's Chief of Staff, Kevin Cosgrove, explained how there have been discussions about that area and "action" has been taken through the Lakefront Advisory Council.
Moore's office said members feel instances of sexual assault and other violent crimes occur around beds of crime in rundown tenements and abandoned buildings. Moore's office said it is working to eliminate hotbeds of crime by putting restrictions on abandoned buildings and heavily fining those who do not follow city codes.
"The building on the southwest corner, I think that building is potentially a source for some activity around there, It's mostly vacant, and if those folks know that there is not somebody living there it attracts prostitution and drug dealing." Kevin Cosgrove said.
By: phoenix news
19 comments:
What/who is the 'Lakefront Advisory Council?
neighbors-
the silence from the Aldermans office is deafening and it speaks volumns about his concern for the safety of the citizens in this ward. i do not believe, as has been recently suggested, that we are engaging in over reaction or hysteria. this has gone far beyond simple politics, in my view.
does anyone believe these victims and others think our discussions are over reactions?
yeah, what the heck is the "Lakefront Advisory Council????"
Good question Hugh...I was wondering that myself...
I have a suggestion. When the Wrigleyville rapists were at large I helped the officers of the 23rd District distribute over 12,000 flyers with the pictures of the suspect on them along with the description of the attacks. We camped out at 'El' stations for several evenings and passed them out to commuters.
I can't say if that helped catch one of the suspects (who just got sentenced to 59 yrs IDOC) but it helped me feel like could at least do something about the attacks. It is so gut wrenching to read these two stories.
Maybe this has already been done by the 24th Dist?
Mr. Clean mentioned....>"When the Wrigleyville rapists were at large I helped the officers of the 23rd District distribute over 12,000 flyers with the pictures of the suspect on them along with the description of the attacks."
I too helped pass out flyers at the Addison EL. Community activism is a worthy activity. So did Alderman Tunney and his office. There's an Alderman who knows how to take leadership, not just talk about it like Kevin Cosgrove and Alderman Moore. It's great how the 23rd district police department works with it's residents and businesses. Not calling them names and dis-crediting their volunteerism. Commander Gary is spot on.
rpobserver/Hugh and Rebecca asked....>"What/who is the 'Lakefront Advisory Council?"
If her hands weren't full enough, Special Service Area commissioner/RPCC board member/Political 1409 West Morse office helper and Heartland Cafe/Red Line Tap/No Exit Cafe owner Katy Hogan is a member of this secret park district group of Alderman Moore's.
neighbors-
mr.clean, that is a worthy and meaningful suggestion. thank you and craig for advocating this comunity volunteerism.
HOWEVER. this activity should be, in my view, a coordinated effort with the police dept. we do not want to hinder their investigation. they are working very hard at finding the perpetrators of these crimes.
i believe once we know if our strategy to pass out fliers will help, then we can mount our effort.
what does everyone think?
james-
welcome back. i believe you are correct, sir. i think we should partner with the police in our efforts and show a coordinated front at all times.
concerns like the one you expressed is a way of suggesting to the police that we recognize the limitations of the system. now, what can we do to help and make this system work better for all of us.
i will help forward that suggestion with you at the next CAPS meeting. what do you say?
Craig--you're right on the money. Kudos to Ald Tunney and his staff and especially to Commander Gary. He's got a good volunteer base because he recognizes their value. Thank you also for helping out at the Addison El.
I live in the People's Republic of the 46th Ward so I share some of your frustrations. We just ignore Shiller and that's how things get done. Just a suggestion...
gf---My bad. I agree with you 100% that it should be a coordinated effort with the police dept. I was reading a previous post and saw a composite drawing of another alleged offender and confused the two. I also recognize that the police are working hard to get these guys through whatever means possible. I certaily don't want to do anything to hinder their investigation.
If a time comes when they need volunteers to distribute fliers I will help. If there can be a silver lining to any of this it may be that we can build a better relationship with the 24th Dist. Just a thought....
mr. clean and craig-
would you consider taking the lead on the flyer distribution since you have had the experience?
my sig. other and i and paradise will help.
Ummm...Craig and I have actually never met so I don't want to put him on the spot. I'd be glad to help in any way I can. This isn't my "turf" so I don't want to step on anybodys toes. I just was so moved by the attacks on these women and the murder of Mr. Johnson that I had to offer some suggestions.
I am also a big supporter of Court Advocacy, especially when it involves victims of violence. So going back to your question, I'd be glad to help out if and when we get to the point where the police an identify a suspect(s) with a flyer.
I'm impressed, four possibly five volunteers already and we don't even have a suspect!
mr. clean-
thanx . i didn't mean to put you or craig on the spot either. sorry. you both made a good suggestion.
i'm not sure there is such a thing as "turf" in this instance.
please feel free to contact me.
garyfuschi@yahoo
gf---no apology necessary. You didn't put me on the spot. I'm just trying to help out. I'll drop you a note. Thanks.
Toto sez:
Gemma, I'd change my underwear at least once a week.
<0><->
<@><@>
@
\/\/\/\/
/\/\/\/\
Crime Dog Ruff on crime!!!
<@><@>
@
\/\/\/\/
/\/\/\/\
Ruff, Ruff on crime!!!
paradise-
"vastly more experienced Rogers Park denizens"
ALL sincere efforts, by anyone of any age or experience, that highlight the problems that exist noh, the city and our country, are constructive and meaningful, paradise. all of these efforts help shine the light and help those who need our help.
i truly don't understand the "experience is better" point of view and i don't believe it's very helpful. i'm not speaking for myself when i tell you there are many people who have contacted me, who want to help, but really don't know where to begin.
they don't have experience or long time tenure in rogers park or with these issues. what they have is a genuine desire to help. our neighbors need to be encouraged to help out in whatever capacity they can.
i will support your efforts in any way i can and i truly hope you are successful.
Post a Comment