2 attempted sexual assaults reported in Lake View

Two women reported attempted sexual assaults in Lake View Monday night. Chicago police said they believe the same person is responsible for the attacks.

A 25-year-old woman was walking east in the 700 block of West Brompton Avenue about 9 p.m. when someone approached her from behind and told her he had a gun, police said. He told her not to turn around and attempted to sexually assault her. The woman screamed, and nearby residents stepped in to stop the attack, according to police.

About 10 minutes later and a few blocks south, a 23-year-old woman was walking in the 800 block of West Buckingham Place when she heard someone approaching quickly from behind.

The man tackled her and got on top of her while saying sexually explicit things, according to police. The woman was able to fight him off and get away.

Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) said he’s working with police to find the suspect and prevent similar crimes.

“I am disgusted, angry and deeply upset by the attempted sexual assaults that occurred last night in Lake View,” Lawson said in a statement about the crimes.

“Everyone deserves to be and feel safe in our community . ... I am incredibly grateful for those who took action to stop one of the attempted assaults — it’s that sense of community and shared responsibility that makes our neighborhood so strong.”