Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Boy In Public Bathroom Arrested By Police

CHICAGO, IL — Authorities have arrested the man accused of sexually abusing an 8-year-old boy in the bathroom of a business on Chicago’s northwest side.

Darren Powell, 19, of Crete, was arrested on Thursday by the Chicago Police Department and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in connection with the assault, authorities said.

Powell was charged with one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a person under 13 and one count of unlawful restraint.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on May 29 in the 3900 block of North Cicero Avenue in the Portage Park neighborhood, police said.

According to police, Powell followed the 8-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy into the bathroom, where he sexually abused the younger one and committed a lewd act before fleeing.

Police said Powell is also accused of restraining the 11-year-old boy.

This investigation is ongoing, and the Chicago Police Department is asking any additional victims to come forward by contacting the Special Investigations Unit at 312-492-3810.