CHICAGO, IL – A 37-year-old man appeared in court today facing multiple felony charges stemming from a series of assaults over the past three weeks. Derek Rucker is accused of six separate felonies, including aggravated battery against women and a police officer.
Rucker’s criminal record dates back to 2006, with his latest arrest occurring last Thursday on State Street. Police allege he struck a 44-year-old woman in the face, adding to a series of violent incidents attributed to him. Authorities report that Rucker assaulted a Chicago police officer, punched a woman in the face, spat on another, and struck a woman on a CTA platform.
Video footage obtained from social media shows Rucker’s arrest, highlighting the severity of his actions. His criminal history predominantly comprises misdemeanors, ranging from battery and assault to trespassing and theft.
Legal experts question why Rucker was still on the streets despite his extensive arrest record. CBS News Chicago legal analyst Irv Miller pointed to a notable misdemeanor from last November when Rucker was accused of spitting on an officer and assaulting a 62-year-old man.
The police report from that incident describes Rucker using a belt and stick to cut the victim’s head. However, due to difficulties in reaching the victim, the charges remained a misdemeanor.
Miller criticized the handling of Rucker’s cases, suggesting that the Chicago Police Department should have notified the State’s Attorney’s Office during Rucker’s felony probation for assaulting a nurse. The police reiterated their inability to contact the victim as the reason for the misdemeanor charge.
As the investigation continues, Rucker remains detained, with further updates expected later tonight.