From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Ald. Curtis demands accountability after security vehicle strikes teen
Chicago alderman calls for security company and mall owner to be held responsible after video shows guard hitting teen on scooter.
In brief
Chicago alderman calls for security company and mall owner to be held responsible after video shows guard hitting teen on scooter. Ald. Derrick Curtis demands accountability for a security guard who struck an 18-year-old teen with his vehicle at Ford City Mall, citing safety concerns and potential injuries. Originally…
Security vehicle strikes teen
Videos show a white SUV driver hitting an 18-year-old teen, knocking him off his scooter as he records the incident with a GoPro camera.
“Videos of the encounter, which had amassed tens of thousands of views on social media as of Thursday, show the driver of a white SUV accelerating and hitting the 18-year-old, knocking him off his scooter as he continues recording.”
Teen and rider injured
Both scooter riders were treated at the scene for injuries after the security guard struck the 18-year-old near a gym on the mall campus.
Security guard accused
A security guard at the now-shuttered Ford City Mall allegedly struck an 18-year-old with a metal rod after a confrontation with a 28-year-old rider.
Mall owners respond
Namdar Realty Group, owners of Ford City Mall, stated they are disturbed by the videos and will collaborate with Chicago Police on the investigation.
“The safety of anyone on our property, regardless of the circumstances, matters to us, and the actions depicted do not reflect mall security protocols nor conduct that ownership condones.”
Ald. Curtis calls for accountability
Ald. Derrick Curtis, whose ward includes Ford City Mall, demands the security company and Namdar Realty Group be held responsible for the injuries.
Safety concerns at mall
Curtis noted street takeovers at Ford City Mall divert police resources from shootings and other emergencies.
Riders describe incident
The 18-year-old and 28-year-old, self-described urban explorers, said their interactions with security are usually cordial but this incident was violent.
Rider's perspective
The 28-year-old rider stated that violence is abnormal for security and emphasized the need to prevent death.
“To be met with violence is abnormal. It’s not what security usually does. Something has to be done. I just don’t want somebody to die.”
Mall redevelopment
Curtis linked the incident to the need for mall redevelopment to address rising crime levels in the area.
“That’s one reason why this redevelopment is very important. There’s too much crime going on.”
No arrests made
Chicago police have not made any arrests in connection with the incident, which remains under investigation.
Security company response
Namdar Realty Group has not disclosed whether the security guard was reprimanded for the incident.
What to remember
Ald. Derrick Curtis demands accountability for a security guard who struck an 18-year-old teen with his vehicle at Ford City Mall, citing safety concerns and potential injuries.
