Chicago, Illinois — A Chicago man with a long history of arrests is facing new felony charges after allegedly attacking a cardiologist inside an elevator at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Streeterville campus. The incident, which authorities say was unprovoked, marks at least the 12th time this year that the suspect has been arrested — the majority of those times on or near hospital grounds.
Doctor Reportedly Assaulted in Hospital Parking Garage
According to prosecutors, the assault occurred around 1:39 p.m. on November 2 inside an elevator located in the hospital’s parking garage at 236 East Huron Street. A 42-year-old cardiologist stepped into the elevator, unaware that a confrontation was moments away.
As she entered, 39-year-old Sean Popps allegedly followed her inside. Prosecutors say that without warning, Popps began repeatedly punching the doctor in the head, causing her to stumble backward and shield her face with her hands.
The victim had no prior contact or interaction with Popps before the attack, and police reported that the confrontation was entirely unprovoked.
Victim Suffers Multiple Injuries
The assault left the doctor with bruises, abrasions, hematomas, and injuries to her face, head, arms, and hand. She was treated after the attack, and authorities note the extent of her injuries reflects the force and aggression of the assault.
The motive remains unknown. Hospital officials say the doctor was simply walking to her vehicle when the violent encounter occurred.
Suspect Identified Through Surveillance Footage
Following the attack, a Northwestern hospital security officer recognized Popps from surveillance footage and alerted authorities. The guard told investigators that Popps had been involved in “approximately 30 plus prior incidents” at the hospital, requiring him to be removed from the premises multiple times.
Another officer told police he had dealt with Popps “two times a day over the last 19 months,” highlighting a recurring pattern of disruptive behavior around the facility.
These repeated incidents have raised concerns about security gaps and the challenges hospitals face when dealing with individuals who repeatedly return to their campuses.
Long Arrest History Linked to Hospital Area
Records reviewed by police show that Popps has been arrested 12 times since the start of 2025, with most incidents occurring in or near Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Streeterville campus. Additionally:
- He was arrested seven times in 2024
- Twice in 2020
- Twice in 2021
- Once in 2022
- Once in 2023
Many of these arrests, according to CWB Chicago, were tied to trespassing, disturbances, or other incidents inside the hospital or immediately surrounding areas.
At the time of this latest arrest, Popps was already out on pretrial release for allegedly trespassing at a residential building in October — and attempting to escape from a police station after being taken into custody.
New Charges Filed; Suspect Remains in Custody
For the hospital elevator attack, Popps has been charged with aggravated battery in a public place, a felony under Illinois law. He is currently being held at Cook County Jail, according to police records.
Authorities say the case underscores the difficulty of preventing repeat offenders from returning to sensitive locations like hospitals, especially when prior arrests have not resulted in long-term restrictions or mental health interventions.
Police and hospital officials have not yet disclosed whether additional security measures will be implemented following the attack.
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Community and Hospital Staff on Edge
The attack has raised concern among hospital employees, who say they are increasingly facing unpredictable encounters while navigating parking facilities and public areas around the hospital. Medical personnel have expressed fears about workplace safety and the challenges posed by individuals who repeatedly enter hospital grounds despite previous arrests.
Streeterville residents have also voiced frustration, noting that recurring disturbances involving the same individual point to larger systemic gaps in both criminal justice oversight and mental health support.
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