Woman attacks young girl selling flowers outside River North bars, raising safety concerns | Video
People in River North said street vendors contribute to character of Chicago, should be able to work without fear for safety
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A young street vendor selling flowers was attacked outside two River North bars earlier this month, prompting renewed concerns about the safety of vendors working late at night in Chicago's entertainment districts.
The incident was captured on surveillance video outside Moe's Cantina and Tree House as the businesses were preparing to close around 3 a.m. According to the video, a woman approached the girl, who was holding flowers, appeared to say something to her, then suddenly picked her up and slammed her to the ground before others intervened.
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"Unfortunately intoxicated people are not in their right minds, and this woman did the most unspeakable thing," said Sam Sanchez, owner of Moe's Cantina and Tree House.
Sanchez said the incident reflects a trend he has been concerned about for the past two years. He said he has urged local lawmakers to address the presence of young children in entertainment districts during late-night hours.
"Anywhere there's an entertainment district, there's children out until 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning, approaching intoxicated people, running by themselves," Sanchez said.
It remains unclear who the woman in the video is, and a police report has not been filed.
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Sanchez said he has seen the young vendor return to the area since the incident, but she has not disclosed where her parents are.
The Street Vendors Association of Chicago said the attack is one of many incidents highlighting safety concerns for vendors throughout the city.
"Just to do it to anyone and for you to have the heart to do that and especially seeing this is a young girl, it breaks my heart to see people are capable of doing such things," said Maria Orozco of the Street Vendors Association of Chicago.
People in River North said street vendors contribute to the character of Chicago and should be able to work without fear for their safety.
"It's really kind of distressing. I think these people out here, no matter their age, they're just trying to make a living, make a few bucks however they can. And they should feel as safe as anyone else out here," Bennett Westling said.
"Anybody who has a purpose doing so should be able to do whatever they want out here, sell flowers. It's harmless," Paige Cole said.
