A Chicago woman has been living in a state of constant fear after being violently robbed and attacked not once, but twice by the same assailants within minutes of each other in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. The double assault, captured on surveillance video, occurred early in the morning on Jan. 29 as the victim made her way to catch a train to work, reported the Chicago Sun-Times.
According to the Sun-Times, the 34-year-old restaurant worker was accosted by several gun-wielding individuals who exited a dark-colored sedan, demanding "give me everything, your coat, cell, money, credit cards." She was struck twice in the head with the butt of a gun and mocked by her attackers who "were laughing while this all happened." After surrendering her belongings, the assailants left, only to circle back shortly to ensure she unlocked her phone. "I thought they were going to kill me when they came back the second time," the victim, a recent U.S. citizen originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, told the publication.
Adding to the victim's nightmare, an NBC Chicago report showed that during the ordeal, she unsuccessfully tried to flag down a CTA bus for help. The bus driver witnessed the assault but drove on, adhering to a policy that allows stops only at designated areas. The woman also tried to stop two passing cars, but neither driver assisted her. After the second assault, the victim was left to walk home alone without the means to call for help. She later sought counseling, citing uncontrollable trembling and persistent fear.
Residents have expressed concern over the violent incident, altering their routines for safety. "You just have to have eyes all over the place," one resident, Dawn Hughes, said in an interview with NBC Chicago. Hughes, upon seeing the video, decided to quickly jog back home rather than continue her walk. Another resident, Benjamin Odole, suggested compliance with assailants' demands in such situations: "Whatever they ask you to do if they want to collect your car keys, you have to give it to them."
Chicago Police are investigating the attacks, but as of now, no arrests have been reported. The CTA is assisting with the investigation by providing video footage from the bus. Meanwhile, the woman is working on reclaiming her sense of safety, sharing with the Sun-Times, "I think it will get better. One day." The victim was also reported to be in good condition after being taken to a nearby hospital, as per NBC Chicago's coverage.
