Chicago police have released video of the brutal attack and robbery of Kwame Amoaku, the director of the Chicago Film Office, along with surveillance images of the alleged offenders.
Three males attacked Amoaku after he found them rummaging through his car near his home around 7:46 a.m. last Wednesday, according to a CPD report. He confronted the intruders, and they began beating him with “various objects,” a CPD spokesperson told CWBChicago over the weekend. The group then fled in a gray Dodge Caravan that was waiting nearby.
But they returned to the scene moments later and beat and robbed the victim again before leaving a second time.
On Monday, police released a series of videos, including footage that shows the attack unfolding on the 2100 block of West 22nd Place and the suspects shopping at North Riverside Park Mall. Watch:
Anyone who has information about the crime or the suspects can contact Area Four detectives at 312-746-8251. The case number is JF-191078.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Amoaku to lead the city’s film office in July 2019. On Saturday, the mayor’s office referred an inquiry and request for comment by the mayor to the police department.
The Chicago Film Office smooths the path for local film projects by coordinating with city agencies for permits and special requests.
Before heading up the city’s film office, Amoaku worked as the location manager for Chicago Fire and appeared as an actor on various locally-filmed TV shows, according to Reel Chicago.
After being attacked, Amoaku posted a photo of himself in the hospital wearing a neck brace and with one arm wrapped in heavy bandaging.
“This [morning] I was attacked, beaten, and my car stolen by three kids,” Kwame Amoaku said in the post. “Thanks to all who have reached out. I’m in the ICU. I’m going to be ok.”