Chicago's transit cops had a busy Wednesday on the Red Line, with tactical officers arresting two convicted felons and recovering two firearms on CTA property after a rider tip and live camera tracking, according to police. The arrests happened at the Jackson and Garfield stations, and both suspects are being held on weapons-related charges, authorities said.
According to a post by the Chicago Police Department on X, 28-year-old Terry Sturgis was detained at the Garfield Red Line station after the department’s Strategic Decision Support Center used live video to track him. Officers recovered a firearm they say Sturgis had placed inside a seat on the platform.
The same post says a community member alerted officers at the Jackson Red Line platform to someone with a gun, prompting an investigatory stop of 22-year-old Davonte Sims. Officers say they recovered a second firearm from his bag, and the tactical team "recovered two firearms on CTA property" as the operation wrapped up, according to police.
How Live Video And A Rider Tip Came Together
The Strategic Decision Support Center - an operations room that monitors CTA cameras and provides live location data to officers - played a central role in tracking one suspect, according to police and transit officials. CTA's recent security plan emphasizes expanded camera monitoring, AI gun detection and a 75 percent increase in policing hours as part of a coordinated surge with the Chicago Police Department. CTA.
Charges And Legal Exposure
Police identified the suspects as 28-year-old Terry Sturgis and 22-year-old Davonte Sims and said prosecutors have been notified of weapons-related counts. The offense of unlawful possession by a repeat felony offender is codified by the Illinois General Assembly and, if proven, carries substantial prison exposure. Local legal analysts note the statutory range depends on prior convictions and enhancements.
What This Means For Riders
Transit officials say the arrests underscore how camera-linked operations and rider reports can move suspects off the system quickly, even as many commuters continue to voice safety concerns. CTA and CPD point to the expanded monitoring and patrol surge as part of the answer, and earlier this spring there were similar transit weapon recoveries on the system. CTA.
Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact Public Transportation Detectives at 312-745-4447 or submit an anonymous tip through CPDTIP.com, per FOX 32 Chicago. Riders who see suspicious activity are urged to move to a staffed station or call 911 in an emergency.
