A violent incident recently shocked residents of Chicago’s Chinatown when Danxin Shi, a 62-year-old Uber driver, was savagely attacked and carjacked by three women. The event was captured on police surveillance video, showcasing a chilling act of brutality that raises questions about public safety and law enforcement in the Windy City.
According to Shi, the attack occurred shortly after he parked his vehicle near his apartment. “Three Black females jump on me, hold me, and grab me and took my car key,” he stated. Surveillance footage corroborates his account, showing two women forcing him to the ground while a third joins in, wielding a pipe as a weapon.
A 61-year-old Asian man was beaten with a pipe in a violent carjacking involving three black female suspects in Chicago's Chinatown on Sept. 5. No one has been arrested. https://t.co/Q18PPi6jyC
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) September 8, 2023
Despite scrapes and bruising, Shi is in good spirits and refused medical attention. However, the psychological toll of such an incident should not be underestimated. “He is a brave man, that’s sometimes what we need as a police department, is people that are not afraid to step forward and tell their story,” said Mike Poppish of the Chicago Police Department’s 9th District.
The broader picture isn’t comforting. Even though reports suggest a decrease in carjackings in Chicago compared to last year, car thefts have spiked. Chicago’s recently elected Mayor, Brandon Johnson, continues to play down the surge in violent acts that have shaken the city, fostering a law enforcement environment criticized as soft on crime.
Community activist Andrew Holmes urged community members to assist in the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the attackers’ audacity in targeting a man who is “somebody’s grandfather, somebody’s father, somebody’s uncle.” Holmes announced a $1,000 reward for any information leading to arrests.
Unfortunately, Danxin Shi represents many individuals left with lingering fears and an altered life. For Shi, a rideshare driver, losing his car means he is currently without income. He plans to rent a car next week to return to work but expressed concern about his safety.
What happened to Shi is another glaring example of the urgent need for a hardline approach to law enforcement. Community-based solutions are invaluable, but they must be paired with robust and effective policing to restore safety and security to the city’s streets. As Holmes puts it, “To the mothers and fathers of these young ladies, if you see this on TV, you know this is your daughter, your family, you know this is her, turn them in.”
This incident is a grim reminder that violent crime remains persistent and demands action rather than empty rhetoric. Effective law enforcement isn’t just a talking point for pundits. It’s a real, life-altering necessity for everyday citizens like Danxin Shi.
