URGENT UPDATE: A woman was assaulted in Chicago’s Loop on the evening of July 12, 2023, but thanks to a courageous good Samaritan, the attacker fled before inflicting further harm. The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. when Sierra Ruggiero, 25, was walking home from the La Salle Blue Line station along Ida B. Wells Drive.
Ruggiero was pushed onto a busy street by a man on a bicycle who attempted to sexually assault her. As she struggled, Alx Taylor, 21, witnessed the attack and quickly intervened by shouting at the assailant. This brave act caused the man to flee west on his bike, potentially saving Ruggiero from further danger.
After the attack, Taylor rushed to Ruggiero’s side, ensuring she was safe and comforted during the chaos. “She was the kindest soul,” Ruggiero said, expressing her gratitude for Taylor’s support. Taylor recalled how the attacker nearly knocked her over just moments before the incident.
Ruggiero suffered bruises to her legs and tailbone, but the emotional scars may linger longer. “I don’t think I will ever fully mentally recover from this,” she stated. The traumatic experience has changed her perspective on safety while navigating the city.
Having moved to Chicago from Florida two years ago, Ruggiero described her heightened vigilance when walking alone. She typically keeps her phone in her pocket, avoids wearing headphones, and grips her water bottle tightly for potential self-defense. However, during the assault, her bottle was knocked from her grasp. “No matter how safe you are, something can still happen,” she reflected, considering the need for pepper spray or other self-defense tools in the future.
Ruggiero’s experience adds to growing concerns about safety in the Loop, particularly in light of recent reports on social media about the so-called “Loop puncher,” a man linked to unprovoked attacks on women. “It’s something I never thought would happen to me,” she said.
In an effort to raise awareness and seek justice, Ruggiero posted a video about the incident on TikTok, urging others to stay vigilant. She is also working to obtain security camera footage of the attack. Both Ruggiero and Taylor described the assailant as wearing all black clothing and a blue surgical mask, riding a small bicycle.
The investigation into this alarming incident is ongoing, according to a spokesperson from the Chicago Police. As the situation unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
With Ruggiero’s story now spreading, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the need for increased awareness around personal safety in urban environments.
