Man Attacks Students During Recess At Near North Side School
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Charges were pending Wednesday morning against a 46-year-old man who attacked three students outside a Near North Side school.
Police said the man walked through an unlocked gate into the playground at Ogden International School, at 24 W. Walton St., during recess at 11 a.m. Tuesday, and started a fight with three students.
First grader Sebastian Stan witnessed the fight.
"My friends were the ones who got hurt," he said. "The criminal was cursing. … I was, like, wow."
Recess monitors stopped the man and school security got him out of the playground.
"I just kind of thought it was kind of weird that they just let somebody walk up like that," parent Shannon Sims said.
The children suffered minor injuries, and police arrested the attacker.
"I think it's horrible. Actually, I was shocked. I send my kids to school every morning. I didn't expect that to happen," parent Yudi Zhang said.
The school has changed its policies, including closing the gates to the playground during school hours. At least one employee will be stationed near the gates during recess.
Parents gladly welcomed the extra security measures.
"I don't like those gates being open, and people can come in and out as they please," said Tatiana Christopher, whose son is a student at Ogden. "We came from England – and his other school was super safe."
The students who were attacked were not seriously injured.
Police said charges were pending Wednesday morning.