Bridgeview police were searching Wednesday for a short, stocky man suspected of a knife attack against a woman Tuesday night as she jogged in a park in the 8200 block of South 78th Avenue.
“We take this very seriously, and we are out in full force looking for the suspect,” said Bridgeview police Chief Walter Klimek, who asked anyone with information to call police at 708-458-2131.
The victim, a 26-year-old resident whose legs and upper torso were slashed, was recovering from non-life-threatening injuries at Christ Medical Center, where she was in stable condition, Klimek said.
Police, responding to the victim’s 911 call about 9 p.m. at Founders Park, learned she had been attacked by a knife-wielding individual described as about 40 years old, 5-foot-8 with a stocky build, gray beard and hairy arms.
Police alerted nearby residents using a reverse 911 system, and neighboring police departments assisted in an area-wide search, with Cook County Sheriff’s Police providing a canine unit and helicopter.
“This was the first (attack) of its kind in that area,” Klimek said, describing the vicinity as “not very lit-up.”
Noting the woman was attacked from behind, police are urging residents walking or jogging on the park path and in park areas “to always be vigilant and observant of their surroundings for their safety,” Klimek said.
Dennis Sullivan is a freelance reporter.