A 61-year-old woman's fight for life hangs in the balance following a vicious attack on a CTA Red Line train, allegedly at the hands of a convicted felon. Mijawon Johnson, 36, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery after the brutal incident which took place last Sunday in the South Loop neighborhood.
Authorities revealed that Johnson, who was on parole at the time, is accused to have tried to steal the woman's bag before delivering a savage beating. According to NBC Chicago, he admitted to the crime and was identified in surveillance footage from the scene. Johnson allegedly punched and kicked the woman, continuing to assault her even after she lost consciousness.
Chicago police stated that CTA employees found the victim unresponsive with contusions and a laceration to her face at around 1:35 a.m. near the Roosevelt station. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she remains in critical condition on a ventilator. The chilling event raised questions about security on public transportation and the systems in place to protect everyday citizens simply navigating the city.
Johnson now faces a multitude of charges, including attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery in a public place. As per ABC 7 Chicago, the suspect was already on parole, which he now stands accused of having violated. In light of the victim's dire state, prosecutors suggest that charges may be soon upgraded.
