‘She’d be dead’: Witness describes vicious attack on South Side postal worker

The Brief

• • A 53-year-old man allegedly attacked his 55-year-old ex-wife, a postal worker, in Hyde Park.
  • Witnesses intervened, holding the attacker down until police arrived.
  • The victim, fearing job loss, declined hospital treatment.

Chicago Postal Worker Attacked

A 55-year-old woman was beaten by a 53-year-old man around 11:44 a.m. near 53rd Street and Woodlawn Avenue while she was working in the area.

Details of the Attack

According to witnesses, the attacker repeatedly threatened to kill the woman during the assault. Tom Jacks, who witnessed the incident from about ten feet away, immediately dialed 911.

“I saw him, and he had his arm around her neck, like in a chokehold. She kept trying to push him away, but he kept grabbing her,” Jacks said.

Intervention and Arrest

The incident occurred at Kimbark Plaza, where several men intervened, restraining the attacker until police arrived.

“If people hadn’t intervened, she’d be dead,” Jacks added.

Consequences and Concerns

Despite the severity of the attack, the postal worker refused medical treatment. Witnesses say she was concerned about leaving her mail truck unattended, fearing it could jeopardize her job.

The incident is part of a troubling pattern of recent attacks on postal workers, raising concerns about their safety.

“I don’t care if it’s domestic or not,” said Jacks. “They need much better security.”

Investigation and Custody

The Chicago Police Department confirmed that the suspect is in custody, and Area One detectives are continuing their investigation.

Conclusion

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of postal workers. As Jacks so eloquently put it, “they need much better security.” It is imperative that measures are taken to prevent such attacks from occurring in the future.

FAQs

* What happened?
A 55-year-old postal worker was beaten by her 53-year-old ex-husband in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
* Who intervened?
Several men who witnessed the attack restrained the attacker until police arrived.
* What happened to the victim?
The victim declined medical treatment, fearing job loss if she missed work.
* Is the suspect in custody?
Yes, the suspect is in custody, and Area One detectives are continuing their investigation.