A late-night CTA Blue Line ride near Garfield Park ended with a passenger hospitalized and undergoing surgery after a man allegedly punched them in the face. Nearly two weeks later, Chicago police have released photos of the suspect and are asking riders who saw him to come forward.
The attack happened around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday on a Blue Line train near the Pulaski stop, in the 500 block of South Pulaski. According to NBC Chicago, the victim suffered multiple facial fractures, was hospitalized and underwent surgery before police released images of the person they believe carried out the attack.
Police Seek Suspect Near Pulaski Stop
Chicago police describe the suspect as a Black man between 30 and 45 years old, between 6 feet and 6 feet 3 inches tall, and weighing between 250 and 275 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call 312-745-4447 or submit an anonymous tip through the Chicago Police Department’s tip portal.
The search comes after several recent reports of violence on Chicago’s rail system. In June, CBS Chicago reported that police were seeking a man accused of punching a woman in the head at a Pink Line station, while the Chicago Sun-Times reported that a Blue Line passenger was stabbed during a fight in the Loop.
CTA Safety Concerns Remain Under Scrutiny
The Federal Transit Administration said in December that assaults against CTA customers on trains, buses and agency property had increased 150% over five years, while assaults against CTA workers had exceeded the national average for comparable transit agencies every year since fiscal 2015. The Federal Transit Administration directed the CTA to strengthen its safety plans and increase measures aimed at protecting riders and employees.
