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‘Loop Puncher’ Defendant Derek Rucker Sentenced to Seven Years in State Prison

Investigators say social media posts labeled 'Loop puncher' may involve more than one assailant.

Chicago police arrest Derek Rucker, 37, of Blue Island, on Sept. 30, 2025, at the CTA Loyola Red Line station after he allegedly punched Yara Afaneh in the back of her head. (Yara Afaneh)

Overview

  • Rucker, 37, pleaded guilty last week to aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated battery in a public place, aggravated battery to a transit employee, and two counts of burglary.
  • He was arrested downtown on Oct. 9 after allegedly striking a 44-year-old woman in the face on North State Street, according to Chicago police.
  • Prosecutors also charged him in connection with multiple September and October attacks against women on the North Side and an on-duty officer in Evanston.
  • Court records show more than two dozen arrests over two decades and prior court-ordered mental health evaluations, and his mother told the Sun-Times he has schizophrenia and hopes he receives treatment in prison.
  • In a separate case, William Livingston, 32, was charged last week with two felony counts of aggravated battery for alleged June assaults in Lakeview.