A University of Illinois Chicago student says what should have been a routine stop at a Near West Side Goodwill turned into a frightening assault in the middle of the store.
The woman, identified as Stephanie Hsu, lives in Oswego and says she was attacked without warning on Tuesday while other customers were nearby. She later described herself as sore and shaken by what happened.
What the video shows
Hsu told reporters she was able to review the store’s surveillance footage, which, according to ABC7 Chicago, appears to show a man trailing her through the aisles, then kicking her and coming back to punch her in the face. The station reported it was not allowed to air the video.
Hsu said she cried out for help after the second blow and later told reporters she was still in pain from the encounter.
Victim and family react
Recounting the incident, Hsu said the man used a profanity, lunged at her and challenged her with, “what are you gonna do about it” just before the attack.
Her father, James Hsu, who works in law enforcement, said the surveillance clip shows “no provocation” at all and that he was stunned his daughter was assaulted in broad daylight inside a busy thrift store. Hsu has said she intends to pursue charges if police are able to track down the man seen in the video.
Goodwill's response
Goodwill confirmed that staff saw part of the confrontation. A spokesperson said employees “witnessed an altercation” and “quickly followed safety protocols by informing store and donation center management and the Chicago police department.”
“We take the safety and security of our employees, customers, and communities seriously,” the statement read, according to ABC7 Chicago. Goodwill did not release any additional details about an internal review or investigation.
What happens next
Hsu has reiterated that she plans to press charges if police can identify the suspect, while Goodwill says it has already alerted authorities.
The incident would fall under the jurisdiction of the Chicago Police Department’s 12th District, which covers the Near West Side. The district lists its station at 1412 S. Blue Island Ave. and a non-emergency phone number of 312-746-8396 on its official page, according to the Chicago Police Department.
