Man posing as rideshare driver sought in 2 sexual assaults on Near North Side
Chicago police issued an alert to rideshare passengers about two sexual assaults by a man they said posed as a rideshare driver.
Both incidents happened on the Gold Coast and the Near North Side.
The first happened around 5 a.m. on March 30 in the 1100 block of North DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and the second happened around 2:30 a.m. on July 19 in the 1500 block of North Wells Street, where there are bars and restaurants.
Police said the fake rideshare driver picked up female victims in a midsize black SUV, and later sexually assaulted them. The vehicle was not the one ordered by the victims via a ride-sharing app.
Police did not give a detailed description of the suspect.
Advocates with the organization, Resilience, who empower sex assault survivors and work towards ending sexual violence, want people to know they're available with resources, including prevention education.
"You want to make sure you're checking the driver's name, the license plate and the photo and the app, and then you also can share your trip with a friend, if you can. And more importantly, you should trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, don't get in," LaCovia Harper said.
Chicago police echo the same message, advising passengers to share their rideshare information and/or location with family or friends, and stay in communication with them while in a rideshare.
Most rideshare apps now have built-in safety features. Passengers can designate trusted contacts who always get their trip details. Some even have an emergency button or text feature that contacts 911.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area 3 detectives at 312-744-8261 or submit an anonymous tip at , using reference numbers JJ200277or JJ340067.
