AVONDALE — Police are searching for a man who sexually abused a 4-year-old girl in a bathroom at Reilly Elementary School in Avondale.
The incident happened around 7 a.m. Sept. 16 in the 3600 block of West School Street, according to Chicago Police spokeswoman Jessica Rocco. Reilly Elementary is located at 3650 W. School St.
Rocco said the girl went to use the bathroom when a man came up to her and touched her inappropriately and then made the girl touch him inappropriately.
Reilly Elementary principal Kenneth Fitzner sent out an email to the school community just a few days later, on Sept. 20, according to a spokesman for Chicago Public Schools.
In the email, Fitzner said, “The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, which is why we must inform you of a situation involving our school. There was an alleged incident of inappropriate conduct between a student and adult that is being actively investigated by the Office of the Inspector General.”
The email went on, saying, “Staff and student privacy issues prevent us from discussing this matter in further detail. Please know that we are taking this situation seriously, and we remain committed to providing our students with a safe, positive learning environment where they can reach their full potential.”
Fitzner didn’t respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon. An attempt to reach the school’s Local School Council was unsuccessful.
Rocco, the police spokeswoman, said no one is in custody and detectives are continuing to investigate.