Female Shopper Attacked at Algonquin Commons Friday: Police

Algonquin police are investigating an attack on a female shopper that occurred Friday evening at the Algonquin Commons.

Three unknown suspects attacked the woman from behind between 7 and 7:30 p.m. in a well-lit area on the south end of the parking lot, said Deputy Chief John Bucci from the Algonquin Police Department. The victim is in her early 30s and from the Crystal Lake area.

The suspects, described as two white males and one white female with long brown hair, pulled the woman toward them and then punched her an unknown amount of times in the abdomen, back and face, Bucci said. The suspects were all wearing dark clothing.

The suspects did not take any of the woman’s belongings. They may have entered her vehicle to search for unknown items, police said.

The woman sustained minor injuries and drove herself to the hospital, Bucci said.

Following Friday’s attack, rumors have been circulating on Facebook regarding other recent incidents at the Algonquin Commons.

One Facebook post, which has been shared over 2,700 times as of Monday morning, speaks of Friday’s incident being the third reported case and says the suspects “are singling out women shopping alone.”

This is not true, Bucci said.

“This is not the third one. We are viewing this as an isolated incident” he said.

The last time an attack was reported at the Algonquin Commons was in March of this year.

The attack remains under investigation and police are working with Algonquin Commons security to track down any leads, Bucci said.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crime or any suspicious activity at the Algonquin Commons between 7 and 9 p.m. is asked to call the Algonquin Police Department’s investigation division at 847-658-4531.

Police are also taking the opportunity to remind people to be cautious when out and about shopping in coming weeks

“Especially with the holiday season coming up, its good to remember to be aware of your surroundings,” Bucci said.