Police warn of series of violent assaults on women in South Loop

(Chicago) 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.

Victims in two of the attacks described the suspect as a black man, but in two others he was of an unknown race, police said.

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.

Remember any unique physical characteristics of the assailant, call 911 immediately, and if approached by a witness request contact information.

Anyone with information should call detectives at (312) 747-8384.