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
California man arrested for allegedly stealing millions in homeless funds

California Resident Accused of Embezzling Millions from Homeless Aid Funds

Authorities in California have apprehended a man accused of misappropriating tens of…
Liza Minnelli defends use of AI on first new song in 13 years

Liza Minnelli Endorses AI Technology in Her First New Song Release in 13 Years

Liza Minnelli is standing by her decision to use an AI voice-cloning…
'It was scary': Neighbor’s doorbell camera captures gunfire in Northside attempted home invasion

Terrifying Doorbell Camera Footage: Northside Home Invasion Attempt Caught on Tape

In the video, three individuals are seen approaching a residence before a…
Texas posthumously exonerates Tommy Lee Walker, executed 70 years prior for rape and murder of White woman

Texas Finally Clears Tommy Lee Walker’s Name: 70 Years After Wrongful Execution

Almost seven decades after his execution by the state of Texas, Tommy…
Ruby Franke’s son breaks silence on jailed YouTube mom, reads diaries from before arrest: 'I was brainwashed'

Ruby Franke’s Son Speaks Out: Reveals Personal Diary Entries and Claims of ‘Brainwashing’ Prior to Mother’s Arrest

The son of Ruby Franke, the YouTuber behind the 8Passengers channel, has…
Indiana judge and wife allegedly shot by 'high-ranking' gang member facing trial in victim's court

High-Stakes Courtroom Drama: Indiana Judge Faces Alleged Gang Member Shooter in His Own Court

The Lafayette Police Department has reported the arrest of five individuals following…
Broncos’ Jarrett Stidham seeks to become latest backup QB to lead team to Super Bowl glory

Jarrett Stidham Aims to Join Elite Ranks of Backup QBs Leading Denver Broncos to Super Bowl Triumph

In the world of football, history offers some insight into what Jarrett…
ABC7 Sports Overtime: Chicago Bears' season ends in playoffs; White Sox trade Luis Robert Jr.; Bulls retiring Derrick Rose jersey

ABC7 Sports Overtime: Chicago Bears Conclude Season in Playoffs; White Sox Trade Luis Robert Jr.; Bulls to Retire Derrick Rose’s Jersey

In a dramatic conclusion to their season, the Chicago Bears faced off…
ICE in Chicago: Eighteenth Barber Co. Ponte Tus Moños fundraiser in Pilsen to support families impacted by immigration operations

Pilsen Community Rallies with Eighteenth Barber Co. to Aid Families Affected by ICE Operations in Chicago

In Chicago, a local activist is organizing a unique event centered on…
Husband of alleged Minnesota church invasion organizer dismisses 'Beavis and Butt-Head' DOJ prosecution

Spouse of Alleged Minnesota Church Invasion Leader Criticizes DOJ’s ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ Approach in Prosecution

The husband of a woman criticized by Attorney General Pam Bondi for…
GIF image of a boat exploading

US Military Targets Suspected Narco-Terror Ship; 2 Dead, Search for Survivor Continues

On Friday, U.S. forces carried out a deadly strike on a vessel…
Fox News Campus Radicals Newsletter: Union tell-all, Virginia Dems peddle DEI, far-left death threat on campus

Fox News Exposes Campus Controversies: Union Revelations, Virginia DEI Debates, and Far-Left Threats

On April 29, 2025, a significant gathering occurred outside Macomb County Community…