UPDATE: A woman was assaulted in Chicago’s Loop Wednesday night, but a brave Good Samaritan intervened, helping to prevent further harm. The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. as Sierra Ruggiero, 25, was walking home from the La Salle Blue Line station along Ida B. Wells Drive when a man on a bicycle pushed her into traffic and attempted sexual assault.
Witness Alx Taylor, 21, saw the attack unfold and immediately yelled at the assailant, causing him to flee west on his bike. Ruggiero expressed immense gratitude for Taylor’s quick response, stating, “She was the kindest soul,” as Taylor stayed with her until paramedics arrived and she was safely escorted home by police.
Ruggiero suffered bruises but stated, “I don’t think I actually will ever fully mentally recover from this.” She added that the traumatic experience has drastically altered her sense of safety while navigating the city. “No matter how safe you are or how protected you think you are, something can still happen,” she remarked.
The assailant, described as wearing all black clothing and a blue surgical face mask, remains at large. Ruggiero and Taylor both noted he was riding a small bicycle at the time of the attack. Ruggiero, who moved to Chicago two years ago from Florida, has become hyper-vigilant since the incident. She now keeps her phone in her pocket, avoids wearing headphones, and holds her stainless steel water bottle for potential self-defense, although it was knocked from her grip during the assault.
“I never thought this would happen to me because I am so self-aware walking around the city,” Ruggiero shared, reflecting on the incident. She is actively seeking security camera footage to assist in the investigation, which remains ongoing, according to a spokesperson from the Chicago Police.
Ruggiero hopes her story will raise awareness among other women and the community about the dangers of urban life, especially in light of reports about a man dubbed the “Loop puncher,” who has been linked to a series of unprovoked attacks on women.
As she gathers her strength to cope with the trauma, Ruggiero is considering carrying pepper spray or other self-defense tools in the future. “It’s definitely changed my perspective of just how I operate in the city moving forward,” she said.
This incident highlights the urgent need for community vigilance and support in addressing safety concerns in urban areas. With the investigation still underway, authorities encourage anyone with information to come forward.
