Man with prior robbery convictions sentenced for violent CTA pedway attack

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 27-year-old man with two prior robbery convictions has been sentenced to six years in prison for a third robbery: violently attacking two women in the Jackson pedway, leaving both with concussions before fleeing with one victim's purse.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of repeat offenders and the need for effective rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of violent crime in Chicago's transit system and public spaces.

The details

Prosecutors said the attack unfolded late at night as two Lakeview women, ages 22 and 25, walked through the underground pedway. Giles allegedly spread his arms to block their path, then wrapped his arms around the younger woman's chest, shoved her against a wall, and called her a derogatory name while trying to rip away her backpack. At the same time, two unknown accomplices blocked the second woman from intervening. Giles then slapped the older woman across the face, grabbed her by the hair, and threw her into a wall. He ultimately fled with the 25-year-old's purse but was unable to steal the backpack from the first victim. Both women required medical treatment and were diagnosed with concussions, with one also suffering some hearing loss.

• The attack occurred on January 24, 2025, late at night in the Jackson pedway.
• Giles pleaded guilty to robbery before Judge Carol Howard in 2026 and was sentenced to 6 years in prison.

What’s next

The judge's 6-year sentence for Giles will be reduced by half with good behavior, giving him a projected release date of May 1, 2028.