Attack on Park Pl b/w Underhill and Washington

Hi Everyone,
I was attacked Sunday night (2/21) around 10pm, while walking east on Park Pl between Underhill and Washington.

The attacker was a teenage boy, about 5'7" tall, african-american, thin, and on foot (no bike or car). Unfortunately he got away and the police were not able to find him when we went canvassing later. He did not have a weapon, fortunately, but he did try to sexually assault me and may have tried to take my purse but admittedly I don't remember the physical interaction very well.

A few things I want to share with this group:
First, thank you very much to everyone who has posted about the assaults and muggings in this neighborhood in the past. I have lived in Prospect Heights for about 5 years and I feel as safe in our neighborhood as anywhere, but I have always been alert, in part because I've been empowered by the information shared on this board. Just before I was attacked I saw the attacker (as I passed him on the corner of Underhill and Park Pl), had an instinct that something wasn't right, and thought of how he matched the description of the teenage boys who have been described here after mugging or assaulting people. Because of this I was actually prepared for the attack and ready to react (by screaming and pushing).

Next, i want to thank the WONDERFUL residents on Park Pl between Washington and Underhill who appeared almost immediately in response to my screams. Especially the lovely man and his dog who walked me home, and the hero who appeared with a baseball bat. You people enabled me to fall asleep peacefully later that night, and will always be moved by your willingness to come to a stranger's aid.

Finally, I just want to send a general word of caution to everyone to just be aware of your surroundings. it doesn't have to be a fear thing, but rather an empowerment thing. My experience was troubling, but it wasn't as scary as it could've been because I was extremely aware of what was going to happen, and had time to be calm and react in an effective way. I know it doesn't always work out that way, and I do feel very lucky to have been relatively unscathed.

note: i am following up with the precinct and seeing the report through the police channels.