[Yonhap Photo]
Kang Jung-ho, a Pittsburgh Pirates infielder, is under investigation over a sexual allegation which took place last month, Chicago police spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.
The Chicago police spokesperson described Kang as the "potential suspect". "We are not in any position to identify a person of interest or a suspect just yet," said the spokesperson. He added that the detectives are conducting interviews and collecting evidence.
According to a police report, the incident took place on June 17, when Kang's team was in Chicago. A Chicago woman met Kang through "Bumble", a location-based dating app that only allows women to start a conversation.
The 23-year old woman told the police that she was invited to Kang's hotel room and was served with an alcoholic drink. About 15 or 20 minutes later, she drifted in and out of her consciousness, remembering the infielder sexually assaulting her.
The woman went to a hospital two days after the incident and took a test using a rape kit. The police spokesperson said the police was contacted by the hospital that day. The woman filed a formal complaint on June 29.
Meanwhile, the Major League Baseball released a statement saying the league learned of the allegation recently. "Our understanding is that police in Chicago are investigating this very serious matter. Major League Baseball will monitor the progress of this investigation closely and will respond fully as additional facts emerge." Kang has not yet responded to the current situation.
Kang Jung-ho signed a four-year 11 million US dollar deal with the Pirates in 2015. He caught the baseball fans' eyes and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last season. But the infielder had been in a batting slump since June.
Aju News Park Sae-jin = swatchsjp@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com