Woman Attacked in Chicago Loop Thanks Good Samaritan for Help

UPDATE: A woman was violently assaulted in the Loop area of Chicago on Wednesday night, sparking renewed concerns about safety in the city. Sierra Ruggiero, 25, was targeted just 10 minutes from her home around 7:20 PM while walking on Ida B. Wells Drive after exiting the La Salle Blue Line station.

Witnesses report that a man on a bicycle pushed Ruggiero over a railing and attempted to sexually assault her. In a heroic intervention, Alx Taylor, 21, witnessed the attack and shouted at the assailant, causing him to flee west on his bike. “Once he ran away, she came up to me, she checked to see if I was OK. She was the kindest soul,” Ruggiero said, expressing gratitude for Taylor’s support during the traumatic event.

Ruggiero suffered bruises to her legs and tailbone but emphasized the psychological toll the incident has taken on her. “I don’t think I actually will ever fully mentally recover from this,” she stated. The attack has left her feeling vulnerable, prompting her to reconsider her safety measures when navigating the city.

Living in a city with a recent spate of unprovoked attacks, including reports of the so-called “Loop puncher,” Ruggiero expressed disbelief that such violence could happen to her. She has since become hyper-vigilant, keeping her phone tucked away and gripping her 40-ounce stainless steel water bottle tightly for self-defense, although it was knocked from her hand during the assault.

In an effort to raise awareness, Ruggiero posted a video of the incident on TikTok, urging other women to be cautious. She is also seeking security camera footage that may have captured the attack. Both Ruggiero and Taylor described the assailant as wearing all black clothing and a blue surgical face mask, riding a small bicycle.

Chicago Police are currently investigating the incident, but as of now, the attacker remains at large. Authorities confirm that the investigation is ongoing, highlighting the urgency of community awareness in the wake of this attack.

As Ruggiero grapples with the trauma, she is considering carrying pepper spray or other self-defense tools in the future. “No matter how safe you are or how protected you think you are, something can still happen,” she warned.

This incident underscores a troubling trend of violence against women in urban areas, prompting conversations about safety measures and community vigilance. For women like Ruggiero, the emotional scars may last far beyond physical injuries.

Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation develops.