Arlington Hts. police suspect jogger attacks connected
Arlington Heights police think an early Friday morning attack of a female jogger may be connected to a similar incident that took place two weeks ago and just a mile and a half away.
The latest incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. Friday in the area of Hintz Road and Haddow Avenue, when a woman jogging was attacked by a man and forced to the ground, police said.
Cmdr. Mike Hernandez said the woman struggled with her attacker but was helped by a good Samaritan who pulled his car over when he saw the attack occurring, causing the suspect to flee from the scene.
The woman was not injured, police said.
The suspect is described as about 6 feet tall with a thin build and wearing dark clothing.
Hernandez said that matches the description of the suspect in the first attack, which occurred at 6 a.m. Sept. 26 at Lake Arlington Park at 1400 E. Valley Lane.
In that incident, a female jogger was running along the path when she was grabbed from behind and forced to the ground. The offender ran away after a brief struggle. The woman wasn’t physically injured, according to police.
“The suspect (fits) a similar description. It was a similar time of day, and a similar victim — a female jogger,” Hernandez said. “It might be the same person.”
“I can’t definitely say it’s the same person, but they are very, very similar.”
Hernandez said police were working on some leads Friday on the latest attack, but those leads ended up not going anywhere.
He wouldn’t reveal what the suspect in either case intended to do to the female joggers but that such information is part of an ongoing investigation.
In both incidents, neither victim was able to get a clear look at her attacker, so police don’t have enough information to develop composite sketches, Hernandez said.
Police say they are investigating both incidents and are seeking witnesses who can provide assistance in identifying a suspect.
Meanwhile, police are asking people to be especially aware of their surroundings while jogging, running or walking. They suggest running with a partner and during daylight hours, avoiding secluded areas and not wearing earphones.
If anyone has information, call police at (847) 368-5338.