Random Assault Near Daley Plaza: Chicago Woman Attacked on Her Way to Work, CPD Launches Investigation

A Chicago woman recounted a frightening incident to ABC7, revealing that she was unexpectedly punched by a stranger while on her commute to work in the Loop.

After the ordeal, she uploaded a video capturing the aftermath, which has since garnered tens of thousands of views.

Authorities are actively searching for the individual responsible for the assault.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

This unsettling event near Daley Plaza follows a string of similar attacks in the Loop, one of which involved ABC7 journalist Leah Hope. Inspired by Leah’s earlier recounting of her own harrowing experience, the latest victim decided to come forward.

Bridget, 27, bravely shared her story on TikTok, visibly shaken and in tears, just moments after enduring the violent encounter on Tuesday morning. Her video has been circulated widely, drawing significant attention.

“I feel too scared knowing that he’s still out there,” Bridget said.

The victim spoke with ABC7 inside her apartment where she says she hasn’t left since coming home from urgent care. She detailed what happened as she got into the crosswalk at Washington and Clark.

“He was already in front of me, about six feet, then all of a sudden he stops,” Bridget said. “Then he yelled something, but I didn’t think he was yelling at me. The moment I passed him, he turned around and hit me.”

She says she was hit right in the back of her neck and spine. The force almost knocked her to the ground.

“By the time I had turned around, he had already fled,” Bridget said.

ABC7’s very own Leah Hope’s story was shared earlier this week about her assault last month, which also happened downtown.

“It wasn’t the same guy, so I was kind of in shock,” Bridget said. “Like, how are there this many men out there willing to hurt women?”

In December, a judge ordered a man detained after he allegedly assaulted at least six women, including a woman named Sherri Bester, in separate incidents downtown. Police say in some of the attacks he wore an electronic ankle monitor.

The similar cases are only compounding her fears.

“The thought of leaving the house, right now, is pretty scary, which sucks because I live my life commuting, being downtown,” Bridget said. “It’s where my job is located, and I can’t do that anymore.”

Bridget says she has been working from home while receiving counseling. So far, no one has been arrested in her case.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood