Police add patrols after attack on Busse Woods jogger

Cook County authorities have ramped up police patrols in response to an attempted sexual assault in Busse Woods forest preserve near Elk Grove Village.

A 31-year-old woman jogging by herself fended off a man who she told police attempted to sexually assault her about 6:40 p.m. Sunday near Grove No. 4, Cook County Sheriff's police said. The closest intersection is Landmeier and Arlington Heights roads on the preserve's southeast side. The woman used pepper spray against her attacker, who approached her from behind. She managed to run away and call police. She was released from the hospital after treatment of minor injuries.

Officials stress that reports of violent crime in forest preserve land, spanning 69,000 acres, or 11 percent of the county's footprint, are rare and much lower than in surrounding communities.

Still, forest preserves police have funneled additional squad cars to patrol Busse Woods, one of the busiest properties in the district, in light of the attack.

And trail users said Wednesday they're taking extra precautions.

"Come here!" Vicky Ras shouted to her toddler, who wandered just ahead.

The Streamwood mom refuses to walk without her black Labrador mix.

"You can't feel safe anymore," she said.

Inspired by the victim's use of pepper spray, she said she plans to go back to a fishing supply store and buy a pink can of Mace she spotted recently.

"That's the right thing to do," Ras said.

Co-workers Allison Pilcher and Kristin Zavislak usually spend their lunch breaks at Busse Woods. They say they feel especially vulnerable on stretches of secluded trail through the forest.

"It's kind of scary when you're by yourself," Pilcher said.

So the women, from Hinsdale and Glen Ellyn, practice "safety in numbers."

They weren't jolted by news of the attack, which police say happened before sunset.

"It has crossed our minds that it could happen before," Zavislak said.

No one was in custody Wednesday, but sheriff's police detectives are following up on leads in the ongoing investigation, a spokeswoman said.

The assailant is described as a white male in his early 30s. He's about 6 foot to 6 foot 3 inches and clean shaven. He wore a black, hooded sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.

Anyone with information should call sheriff's police at (708) 865-4896.