A 44-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a woman outside the Chicago Board of Trade building, marking the latest case in a series of “Loop Puncher” incidents occurring in the downtown area.
Thomas Knighten is alleged to have thrown a bottle at a 23-year-old woman from Lakeview on February 6, near the historic Board of Trade building on West Jackson Boulevard. The woman managed to avoid the bottle, which then hit and shattered a window of the building, causing approximately $12,800 in damage, according to prosecutors.
Following this, Knighten allegedly assaulted a 54-year-old woman from Lynwood by grabbing her backpack, throwing her to the ground, and repeatedly punching her before fleeing.
Officials stated that the entire event was recorded on video. Both victims and a security guard from the Board of Trade building later identified Knighten as the perpetrator. He was apprehended weeks after the incident in February.
During a detention hearing, Judge Luciano Panici Jr. ordered Knighten to remain in custody, noting his criminal background and the judge’s characterization of his “mental health conditions.” The judge remarked that Knighten had “chosen to attack a random defenseless victim,” and concluded that only incarceration could ensure public safety.
Knighten is facing charges of aggravated battery in a public place, felony criminal damage, and misdemeanor assault.
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