Senior citizen claims resident who attacked her allowed to move back into Washington Park building

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Frances Banks' community stood by her side Wednesday after the senior citizen said she was attacked inside her apartment building this past July by a fellow resident and neighbor.

The group claims the man who allegedly attacked her was allowed to move back into the same building as Banks.

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According to Chicago police, the incident happened on July 10 just before 11 a.m. inside Good Shepherd Tower on East Garfield Boulevard.

Police said 83-year-old Frances Banks got into an argument with the suspect before the man pushed and struck Banks.

CPD said Banks refused treatment, but was scraped on the side of her face.

The suspect, a 74-year-old man was charged with battery, a misdemeanor.

Banks did not want to talk on camera, but was joined by community members and the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization outside the Department of Housing and Urban Development downtown.

They are asking HUD to meet with the victim, her family and building management to create a safety plan for Banks.

"Just last Friday, the attacker was moved back into the building," Shannon Bennett, executive director of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization. "That ain't right. We are standing in solidarity with Ms. Frances Banks to get justice."

"When the incident happened, nobody called to let me know," Sabrina Freeman, daughter of Frances Banks, said. "When I did find out, they barred me from the building - not the person that beat my mom."

Good Shepherd Tower, where Banks lives, did not want to comment.

HUD said in a statement, "HUD is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all residents in HUD-assisted properties. Today, we engaged with residents of Good Shepherd Tower to hear their concerns and are actively collaborating with the property's management to address the issues raised."