Man charged with randomly punching DePaul student in the Loop

Samuel Z. Jackson, a repeat offender on parole for robbery, is accused of attacking a female student in downtown Chicago.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 31-year-old man named Samuel Z. Jackson has been charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a female DePaul University student in the face as she walked in the Loop area of downtown Chicago. Jackson is a repeat offender who was on parole for robbery when the incident occurred. He has faced other accusations of randomly punching people in the city since being paroled last summer, though some of those cases were dismissed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of random acts of violence in downtown Chicago, particularly against women, and the challenges of repeat offenders being released on parole or with charges dismissed. It raises questions about public safety, bail reform, and the need for stronger measures to address such attacks.

The details

According to prosecutors, Jackson allegedly punched the female DePaul student in the face around 9:25 p.m. on August 11 in the 100 block of West Madison Street, knocking her to the ground before he fled. Two Chicago police officers who were familiar with Jackson from a similar case recognized him from surveillance images and recently arrested him in Rosemont to face charges in the August attack. Jackson is also separately charged with misdemeanor battery stemming from an altercation on a Metra train in the suburbs in January.

  • On August 11, Jackson allegedly punched the DePaul student in the Loop.
  • In January, Jackson was charged with misdemeanor battery for an altercation on a Metra train.

The players

Samuel Z. Jackson

A 31-year-old man who is a repeat offender and was on parole for robbery when he allegedly attacked the DePaul student.

DePaul University student

A female student who was allegedly punched in the face by Jackson in the Loop area of downtown Chicago.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Samuel Z. Jackson out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of random acts of violence in downtown Chicago and the challenges of repeat offenders being released on parole or with charges dismissed. It raises questions about public safety, bail reform, and the need for stronger measures to address such attacks.