Police are warning South Loop residents of an unknown male offender or offenders whom they say violently assaulted and robbed four women between Jan. 13–27.

In each case, the women were approached from behind, pushed or punched in the face and knocked  to the ground,  after which their purses and cellphones were forcibly taken, according to a community alert issued by detectives on Jan. 28.

Detectives are looking for a suspect between the ages of 18–20 or 30–35, with an approximate height between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-10 and a weight of about 150–200 pounds. Two of the women described the assailant as a black male, and the other two could not identify the 

offender’s race.

The robberies occurred in the 1500 block of South Wabash Avenue at 9:12 p.m. on Jan. 13; the 1500 block of South Indiana Avenue at 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 16; the 1900 block of South Indiana Avenue at 7:28 p.m. on Jan. 23; and the 1600 block of South Prairie Avenue at 8:12 p.m. on Jan. 27.

Police urge women to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately. If South Loop residents are confronted by an assailant, CPD advises that they remain calm and try to remember any unique characteristics such as scars or a limp.

The community alert advises that victims do not pursue a fleeing assailant. Victims should provide any information they have to police, and if a witness approaches a victim after an attack, he or she should request the witness’ contact information. Victims should call 9-1-1 immediately and remain on the scene if possible.

Police issued a second community alert Jan. 27 regarding an armed robbery Jan. 23.

At 2:38 p.m., the suspect pointed a Taser at the victim and demanded  her phone. Frightened by the man, she complied. The robbery took place at the Roosevelt CTA station, 1147 S. State St., as the victim was transferring from the Red Line to the Green Line. 

The offender is described as a black male with a medium complexion between the ages of 20–30, with an approximate height between 5-foot-7 and 6-feet, and weight of 140–175 pounds.

Anyone with information regarding the alleged attacks should contact the Bureau of Detectives — Area Central (312) 747-8384.