A 34-year-old suspect, identified as Benjamin Rivers of Bellwood, Illinois, on the 600 block of Rice Ave., has been charged with robbery and battery following an incident on a CTA train in Chicago. According to a statement obtained by the Chicago Police Department, the alleged crime occurred on February 1, 2024, shortly before Rivers was apprehended by police.
Within minutes of the robbery that transpired on the 400 block of S. Damen Ave., Rivers—who police say is one of the culprits in the assault and robbery of a 35-year-old male victim—was arrested at approximately 4:58 p.m. Responding officers located the suspect, with the help of witnesses, in the vicinity where they quickly placed him into custody following the incident, according to officials.
The criminal charges against Rivers include one felony count of robbery and one misdemeanor count of battery causing bodily harm. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, reported being battered and forcefully stripped of his belongings while aboard the moving train.
Scheduled for a detention hearing on February 2, 2024, at 2600 S. California, the aftermath of the incident has Rivers facing the possibility of significant legal repercussions. No additional information about the case or the condition of the victim has been made available as the investigation is ongoing.
