Man gets 55 years for 2010 sexual assault in Englewood

A Chicago man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman in Englewood in 2010.

Derrick Alexander

Derrick Alexander, 33, was previous convicted of criminal sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping for abducting a 21-year-old woman and sexually assaulting her on May 16, 2010, according to a statement from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.

Judge Steve Goebel sentenced Alexander, who has a previous conviction for kidnapping, to 55 years in prison, according to the statement.

Prosecutors said Alexander approached the woman from behind near 61st and Winchester, pushed her and placed an object into her back which she believed she was a gun.

He told her not to scream and forced her to the backyard of an abandoned house, where he sexually assaulted her before running away, according to prosecutors.

The woman immediately contacted police and was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, according to prosecutors.

She identified Alexander in a photo array and a lineup, according to prosecutors. He was also linked to the assault by DNA evidence.