Man accused of groping, dragging nanny to ground, sending baby stroller toward traffic in South Loop

A horrifying incident occurred in the South Loop area of Chicago when a man allegedly groped a nanny and dragged her to the ground while she was pushing a one-year-old child in a stroller. The incident took place on June 16 in the 1600 block of South Michigan Avenue, just before 9 a.m.

According to reports, a 53-year-old woman working as a nanny was walking northbound with the child in the stroller when a stranger, later identified as 29-year-old Brandon Henderson, approached her. Henderson initially tugged on the woman’s sweatshirt sleeve, but she ignored him and continued walking. Moments later, Henderson came up behind her, put his arm around her shoulder and neck, and reached his hand between her legs while pressing his face close to her neck. He then proceeded to pull her to the ground, causing her to lose her grip on the stroller, which rolled toward the traffic lanes of Michigan Avenue.

The woman started screaming for help and kicked at Henderson to fend him off. Fortunately, bystanders intervened, with one individual even shouting at Henderson from a sixth-floor apartment window. Henderson eventually released the woman and fled through an alley.

Police were alerted, and officers quickly located Henderson nearby, matching the description provided by witnesses. The nanny positively identified him as her attacker, leading to his arrest. Despite the traumatic experience, the woman sustained no serious injuries and declined medical attention. The child in the stroller was also unharmed.

Brandon Henderson was detained by Judge D’Anthony Thedford on charges of criminal sexual abuse by force and aggravated battery in a public place. This disturbing incident serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and looking out for one another in our communities.

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