A 41-year-old Chicago man has been slapped with felony charges for the alleged aggravated battery of a transit employee, authorities said this Tuesday. Derrel Ward from the 8700 block of S. Richmond St., was taken into police custody on Monday night following the reported assault earlier that evening.
According to a statement from the Chicago Police Department, the incident occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. in the 0-100 block of E. Roosevelt Road in the city's bustling 1st District. The victim, a 42-year-old male transit worker, was struck by a closed fist, allegedly by Ward, who was arrested less than a mile away, in the 1200 block of S. Wabash Ave.
The case has quickly moved to the courts, with Ward facing a detention hearing at the 2600 S. California Avenue courthouse on February 26th. The seriousness of the charge against him reflects the gravity of the offense; aggravated battery of a public official is considered a significant breach of public trust and safety.
No additional details regarding the circumstances of the assault or the condition of the transit employee were immediately released. However, the Chicago Police Department has confirmed that the offender is currently charged with one count of aggravated felony battery against a transit employee.
