Chicago, IL – A 50-year-old man has been federally charged after allegedly setting a 26-year-old woman on fire aboard a moving CTA Blue Line train Sunday night, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Police say the suspect, a convicted felon, approached the woman around 9:25 p.m. on November 17 in what authorities described as an “unprovoked and horrific attack.” Investigators report the man poured a flammable liquid on the victim and attempted to ignite her before briefly catching himself on fire. When the woman fled to another car, the offender allegedly followed and lit her on fire before fleeing at the Clark/Lake Station.
According to CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling, officers identified and arrested the suspect within 24 hours. “Their quick response is proof that heinous acts of violence like this will never be tolerated in our city,” Snelling said.
Detectives with the Major Crimes Division and the Bureau of Counterterrorism traced the offender’s movements through surveillance footage and station activity. He was taken into custody Monday in the 100 block of West Washington Street, still wearing the same clothing seen during the attack.
On November 19, federal authorities charged the suspect with a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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