Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Judge Orders Derek Rucker Detained on Six Felony Counts Tied to CTA and Downtown Attacks

Prosecutors say some assaults happened during pretrial release, prompting scrutiny of earlier charging decisions.

Overview

  • Rucker, 37, was arrested Thursday near the Grand Avenue Red Line station shortly after a 44-year-old woman was punched on North State Street, police said.
  • He now faces six felony counts: three for aggravated battery to a transit passenger or employee, two for aggravated battery in a public place, and one for aggravated battery of a peace officer tied to an Evanston incident.
  • Prosecutors linked him to attacks on Sept. 21 near the Belmont stop, Sept. 30 at the Loyola station, Sept. 30 involving an Evanston officer, Oct. 8 on a Red Line train near Wilson, and Oct. 10 in River North.
  • Judge Deidre Dyer ordered him detained Friday, and the Cook County Sheriff's Office said he will remain in jail pending trial, with his next court appearance set for next week.
  • Authorities said the Loyola case was upgraded from misdemeanors to a felony and that Rucker was previously released without seeing a judge, as social media attention and a memo from Chief Judge Timothy Evans heightened awareness of the case.