Chicago Public Schools custodian Elton Odell, Jr. says teacher assistant attacked him at John M. Smyth School on Near West Side
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago school custodian reported being assaulted while on duty at a West Side elementary school, with surveillance footage seemingly capturing the incident.

Now, he’s calling for more action to be taken by Chicago Public Schools.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

He explained that the confrontation began unexpectedly when an argument with a teacher assistant at John M. Smyth Elementary School over wet floors escalated into violence.

He showed ABC7 video of the apparent attack that he said the school allowed him to record.

“Wow, this really happening?” alleged assault victim Elton Odell, Jr. “You know, like, he done actually hit me?”

After four months of employment, Odell did not anticipate leaving his position at John M. Smyth Elementary School with 15 stitches in his lip as a custodian.

“Regardless of any argument or verbal exchange, no one has the right to physically attack you,” Odell stated firmly. “It’s as straightforward as that.”

The confrontation happened while Odell was nearing the end of his shift Monday evening around 5:45 p.m.

A recorded video, which Odell claims he was authorized to film by school officials, shows him mopping when tensions rise as another individual steps onto the wet surface. ABC7 concealed the man’s identity since no charges have been made.

“The safety concern is real; someone could slip and tumble down the stairs,” Odell remarked. “The other person made some dismissive comments and attempted an apology, but I refused. I told him, ‘Man, that’s completely disrespectful.'”

The teacher assistant is then seen coming up the stairs, removing his backpack. Then, the confrontation ensues.

He’s telling me, ‘Don’t walk up on me,’ which apparently, you can see in the video, I never moved towards him,” Odell said. “So, I proceed to turn to my left to walk away and that’s when I was struck twice… I wanted to protect myself because he invaded my space, but I knew it would’ve been the wrong thing to do, that I would lose my job.”

He said the video showed it all unfolding in front of another teacher assistant and a young child.

After reporting the alleged attack to police, Odell says he went to the hospital with injuries to his lip, but it’s the mental scars left behind that he says will be hard to heal from.

“It makes me very upset about that,” Odell said. “I relive it each day now.”

There’s no word on the status of that teacher assistant at the school.

A Chicago Public Schools spokesperson said they are looking into the incident while ABC7 awaits a response.

Chicago police said they’re investigating and no one is in custody.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Austin suspect unleashed anti-Christian, antisemitic, misogynist rants on social media before mass shooting

Austin Shooter’s Social Media Reveals Disturbing Anti-Christian and Antisemitic Views Before Tragedy

The individual behind Sunday’s tragic mass shooting in Austin has been linked…
Asking Eric: Cheating ex returns; asks for second chance

Eric’s Dilemma: Former Partner Seeks Reconciliation After Infidelity

Dear Eric: I was married for several years to a woman who,…
Pennsylvania bus driver Kelly Weber four times over legal limit DUI with 54 students on board

Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Arrested for DUI: Kelly Weber Caught Four Times Over Legal Limit with 54 Students Onboard

A school bus driver in Pennsylvania faces serious charges after allegedly transporting…
Cincinnati mayor opposes judge's move to grant bail to convicted felon linked to mass shooting gun battle

Cincinnati Mayor Criticizes Judge’s Decision to Grant Bail to Convicted Felon Tied to Mass Shooting Incident

On Tuesday, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval voiced strong opposition to a judge’s…
Mamdani admin admits 7 other New Yorkers died indoors from cold, as grim tally reaches 29

Mamdani Administration Confirms Indoor Cold-Related Deaths in New York, Bringing Total to 29

In a sobering update, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration has confirmed that an…
Goon sets sleeping man on fire inside Penn Station as ghoulish pals look on: cops

Man Set on Fire in Disturbing Penn Station Incident While Onlookers Watch: Police Report

In a shocking incident at Penn Station, a pyromaniac attacked a sleeping…
Beverly Hills 'Queen of Real Estate' filed $568 million in fake liens

Unmasking Real Estate Fraud: The $568 Million Scheme by Beverly Hills’ ‘Queen

A self-proclaimed “queen of real estate” from Beverly Hills is facing serious…
WATCH: National Geographic's un-bee-lievable trailer for new series 'Secrets of the Bees' from executive producer James Cameron

Buzz-Worthy Reveal: National Geographic Unveils ‘Secrets of the Bees’ Trailer, Executive Produced by James Cameron

National Geographic has unveiled an exciting new trailer for the latest chapter…
Mother mauled to death by three dogs in Southern California while protecting son, 5

Heroic Mother Tragically Killed by Dogs While Shielding Young Son in Southern California Attack

A tragic incident unfolded in Southern California when a young mother from…
Shop holiday gifting deals from cozy cabanas to spa-worthy body care with ABC Secret Savings

Yvette Nicole Brown Shares Her Hopes for Character Pairings in ‘Zootopia 2

LOS ANGELES — Get ready to reunite with Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps,…
Bay Area weatherman Spencer Christian shares story behind sudden absence

Bay Area Meteorologist Spencer Christian Reveals Shocking Reason for Recent Disappearance

An admired Bay Area weatherman mysteriously disappeared from broadcasts earlier this month,…
James Talarico takes down firebrand Jasmine Crockett in fierce Dem battle for Texas Senate

James Talarico Triumphs Over Jasmine Crockett in High-Stakes Texas Senate Democratic Showdown

In a nail-biting primary race on Tuesday, Texas state Representative James Talarico…