CHICAGO (CBS)
The busy intersection, with a high-traffic Red Line stop beneath it, was the scene of a recent attack. When CBS 2 visited the area and asked people in nearby businesses if they had witnessed anything, none had.
However, one woman claimed to have seen the attack unfold and took to social media to warn others.
Meanwhile, in New York City, there has been a concerning pattern of random attacks targeting women.
These attacks, occurring in broad daylight without any apparent reason, have resulted in victims sustaining black eyes and swelling.
One woman, Halley Kate, posted a video about being attacked in New York that went viral on TikTok – garnering tens of millions of views. Several other women have similarly posted TikTok videos documenting being attacked out of the blue in New York.
"I literally just got punched by some man on the sidewalk. He goes 'Sorry' and then punches me in the head," Olivia Brand said in a video posted on TikTok on March 17.
A man has been arrested and charged in the attack on Kate, 23, and sources told CBS New York he is a suspect in several other such attacks. But the attacks have not stopped. that it appears there may be multiple people behind the attacks – and they do not seem to be connected.
And now in Chicago, a woman claims to have witnessed a similar assault.
"OK, this is a PSA for all the girls in Chicago," the woman, Emily Ruth, says on TikTok. "I was just walking my dog in the Gold Coast/River North area, and as I got up to my building, a woman ran up so terrified because a man had just punched her in the face. And then he darted west down Chestnut [Street]. He threw her phone, her nose was bruised, she was bleeding a little bit - so scared. We called the police."
Woman Attacked on Chicago Streets
A 52-year-old woman was walking near State Street and Chicago Avenue on Saturday evening when a man assaulted her by hitting her in the face. The attacker then proceeded to pick up the woman's belongings and throw them across the street before fleeing the scene.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, a witness who shared the incident on social media urged others to stay vigilant. "That is just so scary. That's happening both in New York and here now," Emily Ruth said in a TikTok video. "So everyone, just be extra-aware out there - and stay safe."
Despite the assault, the victim in Chicago refused medical attention.
Authorities have confirmed that they are actively investigating the case, but as of late Thursday, no arrests have been made.
