Family Sues School Board Over Child's Abduction, Rape

A Chicago family is suing the Chicago Board of Education, alleging a teacher took photos but otherwise failed to keep an 11-year-old girl safe and failed to report the abduction she witnessed.

"At no time did the teacher contact police, contact the principal, contact school security or even run out and even run out and try to confront this guy herself," the family's attorney, Jeff Deutschman, said Wednesday.

The attack happened at John W. Cook Elementary School last May. A 30-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged, but there's been no action against the teacher who witnessed the abduction.

"This is a reckless disregard for the safety of this child," said Deutschman.

A Chicago Public Schools spokesperson said the district hasn't yet seen the lawsuit and couldn't comment on the pending litigation.

But for parents who live in Auburn Gresham neighborhood, the incident raises serious security questions.

"I don't understand what's going on in this area. I really don't," said resident Irving Rockett. "For a girl to come -- and the teacher to see her actually getting taken, and taking a picture of this. What was she thinking? I don't understand. This is unbelievable to me."

Others said it will change the way their kids go to school.

The case has yet to come to trial and the victim is still recovering from the physical and emotional effects of the attack.

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