Sept. 24--Bridgeview police are searching for a short, stocky man suspected of a knife attack against a woman Wednesday 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," Bridgeview police Chief Walter Klimek said.
The 26-year-old resident, whose legs and upper chest were slashed, is recovering from injuries that weren't life-threatening at Advocate Christ Medical Center, where her condition had been stabilized, 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 man described as about 40 years old and 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with a stocky build, gray beard and hairy arms.
Police immediately issued an alarm notice to nearby residents and homeowners using a reverse 911 system. Neighboring police departments assisted in an area-wide search, with Cook County sheriff's police providing a K-9 unit and helicopter.
"This was the first (attack) of its kind in that area," said Klimek, describing the vicinity as "not very lit up."
Police, noting the woman was attacked from behind, 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.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 708-458-2131.
Sullivan is a freelance reporter.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly gave the suspect's approximate height as 5 feet, 3 inches, rather than 5 feet, 8 inches.
