Man charged with attempted sexual assault of Northwestern University student

Devonte Huggins threw the woman to the ground, but bystanders intervened and he ran away, Evanston police said. He was arrested hours later.

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A man is charged in connection with an attempted sexual assault from May 18, 2021, in Evanston.

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A man threw a Northwestern University student to the ground and tried to sexually assault her Tuesday morning, but bystanders came to her aid and the attacker fled.

Devonte Huggins, 20, was arrested hours later and was charged with attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated battery in the public way, Evanston police said.

The attack happened before 6:30 a.m. around Clark Street and Orrington Avenue in Evanston, police said.

Huggins grabbed the 27-year-old student from behind, threw her to the ground and tried to remove her pants, police said. Witnesses intervened and the man ran away.

Surveillance video showed the attacker wearing a red, white and black coat with “Gucci” on the front, police said.

About 12:25 p.m., Glencoe police responded to a well-being check in the area of Dundee and Forestway and saw Huggins wearing the same coat, police said.

Huggins, of Grand Crossing, was arrested and taken to the Evanston Police Department. He appeared in court Wednesday where his bail was set at $200,000. He is expected back in court May 26.

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