Chicago, Illinois — A Chicago man with seven prior felony convictions has been charged in the January attack of a local television news reporter in the city’s Loop, according to court filings reviewed by WGN Investigates.
Prosecutors allege Noah B. Johnson approached the reporter’s SUV near State and Lake streets on Jan. 2 and began “mumbling and growling” before repeatedly striking her and attempting to pull her from the vehicle. The reporter honked her horn to draw attention, and bystanders intervened, pulling Johnson away before he fled. Surveillance footage from a nearby hotel and a police pod camera reportedly captured the incident.
Police reports state the victim suffered a detached salivary gland and other injuries. Authorities have not publicly identified her, in keeping with WGN’s policy not to name crime victims unless they choose to do so.
Johnson was arrested Feb. 5 after a warrant was issued Jan. 13. He is charged with vehicular hijacking, aggravated battery, and unlawful vehicular invasion. Prosecutors argued for pretrial detention, citing the “random and vicious nature” of the alleged attack and Johnson’s prior convictions, which include armed robbery.
A judge ordered Johnson held pending trial.
Sources:
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