Student Held at Knife-Point Shares His Story 

Shortly after leaving his eight hour shift at Target on Jan. 13, Loyola junior Kian Jodloski was mugged on his walk back home by a group of offenders at the intersection of West Arthur and North Lakewood Avenues. 

Jodloski said as he was walking home, he noticed a man about five feet and ten inches tall briskly walking behind a young woman who was one block ahead of him.

“It seemed like the man was gaining speed on the woman, which I thought was strange,” Jodloski said. 

Confused by the scene in front of him, Jodloski told The Phoenix he began to “pick up my pace a little, as well.” From there, Jodloski said he was approached by two children from his left, one boy and one girl who appeared to be about 12 or 13 years old.

“First they asked if I knew where Howard Street was located, but I am not from the area, so I pulled out Apple Maps on my phone,” Jodloski said. 

The two children claimed they also needed to borrow the phone to call their mother. Weary about the situation, but ultimately aiming to help, Jodloski handed the phone over to the unidentified girl. 

“They did make a call on my phone and everything seemed to be going fine,” Jodloski said.

However, Jodloski said he soon realized the reality of the situation when he was approached by another teenage boy who took the phone, while the young girl demanded the password. 

“This is when I started thinking, ‘Hey, what do I do now?’” Jodloski said. “As I was assessing the situation, the girl grabbed me by the hood of my coat and held a knife to my stomach.” 

Jodloksi said he was in disbelief at the situation. 

Focused on de-escalating the situation, Jodloski attempted to calm the young girl but she continued making threats to stab him while the teenage male demanded the password from Jodloski and briefly searched Jodloski’s coat pockets. 

“The teenage boy began searching me, but luckily he did not find my Airpods or wallet in my coat pockets,” Jodloski said. 

As the situation continued to unravel, a silver Toyota Camry with two adults inside pulled over, but luckily for Jodloski he saw someone he knew walking down the street and asked for assistance. 

Immediately after, the children jumped in the car and sped away, but not without Jodloski memorizing the license plate. 

“I kept reciting the license plate number, and it turns out the car was stolen,” he said. 

It is unclear whether the offenders were related. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) declined to comment on the relations of the offenders. 

Jodloski reported the theft to CPD, who he remained in contact with in the days following the incident. 

“It was a very smooth process and CPD did a fantastic job,” Jodloski told The Phoenix. 

On Saturday, Jan. 14, Loyola Campus Safety sent an email alerting of the robbery and urged students to run away as soon as it is safe to do so if they are threatened. 

When reached out for comment, Campus Safety said they do not discuss CPD cases even if they involve Loyola students. 

Weeks later, Jodloski said he’s come to terms with the situation. 

“I get super calm in really stressful situations, which has helped me numerous times, including that night,” Jodloski said. 

Jodloski could not comment on whether Loyola has enough viable measures to protect students on and around campus, but he said he feels being mugged is unavoidable in a city. 

Jodloski did urge students to be more aware and not wear Airpods or have their phone out while walking home at night. In addition, Jodloski stressed the importance of complying, but to not be too agreeable. 

“You don’t give over everything immediately, but I went to the Apple Store, not a hospital,” he said. 

In a city where it is common for people to ask for directions, Jodloski said he would not use this situation as an indication to be less compassionate to others. Alternatively, Jodloski suggests helping others in public areas with more witnesses around. 

“I was on a dark and quiet street, and I should’ve helped them in a public setting, but I am not spiteful towards anything,” Jodloski said. 

Jodloski stressed the importance of forgiveness and reminded students to remain compassionate. 

“I think it’s crucial to not let being hurt by others detract from being a helpful and forgiving person,” Jodloski said. “I will never condone the actions of my attackers, but I have compassion for them nonetheless.”