Chicago Man Arrested and Charged in Portage Park Store Bathroom Assault
Police say the arrest could prompt more tips to identify other victims and move an active investigation forward.
Overview
- Police say the alleged attack occurred on May 29 when a 19-year-old followed two boys, ages 8 and 11, into a store bathroom on the 3900 block of N. Cicero Avenue and sexually assaulted the younger child while restraining the older one.
- The Chicago Police Department identified the suspect as Darren Powell, 19, of Crete, and released surveillance images during the early stages of the probe.
- Officers arrested Powell on Thursday in the 700 block of E. 111th Street and charged him with predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 and unlawful restraint, both felonies.
- Powell is due to appear for a detention hearing on Saturday at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse as the investigation remains active.
- Police are asking anyone with information or potential additional victims to contact the CPD Special Investigations Unit at 312-492-3810 and say community tips and surveillance footage were key to locating the suspect.