Chicago Alderman Attacked With Table Leg On North Side: Police

CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago alderman is still shaken after being attacked while on the city’s North Side Saturday night.

James Cappleman, alderman of the 46th Ward that covers much of the city's Uptown and Lake View neighborhoods, confirmed that was in the 4700 block of North Racine Avenue in Uptown when he was attacked around 7:15 p.m. A suspect, known to 19th District police, has been taken into custody.

Earlier in the evening, the alderman’s chief of staff texted him to say that a large group had gathered near the corner of Leland and Sheridan.

“The corner of Leland and Racine has had a lot of public drinking the last two months and has gotten bad,” said Cappleman Sunday evening, while waiting at the 19th District to be interviewed by Area 3 detectives at Belmont and Western. “My chief of staff texted me after 9 p.m. to tell me it was party central over there.”

Before calling 911, Cappleman, accompanied by his husband, Richard, decided that they wanted to gather information and witness it for themselves.

When Cappleman arrived at Leland Avenue, the crowd by then had dispersed. There was one man, believed to be one of dozens of people who have gathered at the troubled corner throughout the summer.

“A man who drinks with them was very apologetic and said he would talk to them,” Cappleman told Patch. “There was a table where people would put their booze on a second shelf and cover it with a blanket to hide the booze.”

The alderman picked up the table to take it home so he could throw it away. When Cappleman and his husband rounded the corner, there were eight people sprawled out on Racine, all of them intoxicated, he said.

“When I walked past, a man said, ‘hold off, you can’t take table its mine,’” Cappleman said.

Three of the group, including the man, began wrestling with Cappleman over the table. Cappleman managed to hang on to the table, but two legs broke off it. Meanwhile, Cappleman’s husband was calling 911. Someone also put Cappleman in a headlock as they fought over the table. The man was was taken into custody. Police said in a statement the alderman was struck with "a blunt object" during a disturbance, in this case a table leg.

“When they realized police were coming they were backing off,” Cappleman said, who suffered minor injuries. “I told the guy 15 or 20 times that I’m an alderman. Touching me is a felony.”

Between the three people who confronted him, Cappleman said they’ve had over 200 arrests.

“They are known to businesses and the community, and the police know them as well,” Cappleman said.

Cappleman, a former social worker, said he’s spoken to all of them about getting help, services and substance abuse counseling “but they’ve refused. I told them they couldn’t continue this behavior.”

As of Sunday evening, the alderman was at the 19th District police station, waiting to be interviewed by detectives. Both Cappleman and his husband were being interviewed separately. Police were also reviewing surveillance video from a POD camera and a condo building across the street from the alleged attack. The evidence will be reviewed by Cook County State’s Attorney Office to determine whether to file misdemeanor or felony charges.

“I don’t care if he gets charged, what I care about is this guy wreaking havoc on our community for five years,” Cappleman said. “I would like geographic restrictions. I’d like to see him get help.”

Police had not released the man’s name and charges had not yet been filed Sunday evening.

Cappleman has represented the 46th Ward in the Chicago City Council since he was elected in 2011. He has been reelected twice since.

UPDATE: Man Charged In Attack Of North Side Alderman, Police Say