A Mugger Is Attacking Lone Riders On The CTA Red Line

By Sophie Lucido Johnson in News on Apr 29, 2016 2:39PM

CTA surveillance footage of the alleged mugger, via CPD. But is he carrying a red lightsaber??

For those who have been avoiding riding on the CTA for fear of claustrophobic and crowded NFL draft-crazy trains, there's an equal and opposite alternate reason to stay away from the L. Police have issued a community alert about a robber who waits for a train car to empty out until there is a lone traveler left before forcibly mugging them. There have been at least two incidents, according to police and both have occurred on Red Line trains in the Lincoln Park area in the "early morning hours."

The police described the offender as a black male between 30 and 40 years old, approximately 6-foot-2 and between 190 and 200 pounds. In both incidents, he was wearing a light-colored sweatshirt and dark jeans. In one CTA surveillance photo provided by police, he appears to be dressed as Kylo Ren from Star Wars and carrying his signature red lightsaber.

Authorities are urging CTA passengers to travel with others whenever possible, especially at low-commute hours. As always, suspicious activity should be reported immediately. If you are attacked by this (or any) offender, do not touch anything, and call police immediately; and request contact information from anyone who says they witnessed the incident.

Information about the robberies can be reported to Area Central detectives at 312-747-8382.