Updated

Suburban Chicago police released a statement Wednesday from the only survivor who pretended to be dead during an apparent store robbery that left five people dead.

The gunman remained on the loose after the Saturday attack at a Lane Bryant store in Tinley Park, Ill. Police say the suspect "fondled" one victim but there was no other sexual contact.

The survivor, whose identity is not being released and is under protective custody, called the event "an unspeakable tragedy" in a statement directed towards the victims' families.

"My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to their families and friends," according to the statement. "Please know that during the unfathomable events of that day their thoughts were focused on you and coming home. My heart aches that they were unable to do so."

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The suspect is described as a black male with hair styled in braids with four light-green dangling beads. Police are expected to release a sketch of the suspect on Wednesday.

Authorities are seeking information from barbers and hair stylists with the detailed description of the suspect's hair.

"We are asking any hair salons or barber shops that perform hair braiding as described on the suspect to review their clientele and call the tip hot line if they recognize this individual's description," said Tinley Park Police Cmdr. Rick Bruno.

The victims, including at least one employee, were killed at the clothing store at the Brookside Marketplace.

Officers found the victims at the back of the store after getting a 911 call around 10:45 a.m., according to police.

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