Chicago’s Cashless Bail Backfires After Brutal Attack

Clear Facts

• Diashun Dixson was charged with attacking two men at Chicago French Market and was initially jailed because he could not pay a $10,000 bail deposit.
• After the elimination of cash bail in Illinois, Dixson was released from jail in December under the new policy.
• Within a month of release, Dixson allegedly assaulted a 19-year-old woman at Chicago’s Union Station, breaking her nose.

Chicago prosecutors charged Diashun Dixson with multiple assaults after he allegedly attacked two men at the Chicago French Market in May.

He could not post the required bail and remained in jail until Illinois ended cash bail in September, allowing his lawyer to secure his release in December.

Barely a month later, prosecutors allege Dixson punched a young college student in the face at Union Station, causing serious injury.

“Without any provocation or warning, Dixson walked up to the woman and plowed his fist into her face, fracturing her nose and causing her to bleed profusely, according to prosecutors.”

A Metra police officer witnessed the alleged attack and apprehended Dixson at the scene.

Dixson had previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and aggravated assault in late 2022, despite his lawyer stating otherwise during his bail hearing.

Cook County court records contradict the defense’s claim of no priors, showing a recent conviction for violent offenses at a CTA station.

The student received medical care for her injuries, and prosecutors called the incident a “brutal attack” in their efforts to keep Dixson detained this time.

Dixson’s next court appearance is set for February 20.

Concerns grow as critics warn that Illinois’ move to end cash bail may put public safety at risk by allowing violent offenders back on the streets without adequate deterrence.

Stay alert for more updates on the ramifications of cashless bail impacting communities across the nation.

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