FTA calls for more aggressive CTA safety plan or risk losing funding as Chicago police begin added patrols

A man is facing charges after allegedly starting a fire on a CTA train on the Northwest Side of Chicago, according to police reports on Friday morning.

The incident took place just after 6 a.m. near the Damen Avenue stop on the CTA Blue Line in the Wicker Park neighborhood.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Jesus Martinez from Northlake, reportedly set his personal belongings ablaze, which resulted in burns to his leg, authorities stated.

After the fire was put out, Martinez was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was reported to be in good condition. Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives subsequently took him into custody.

Martinez is now facing charges that include felony Aggravated Arson with knowledge of a person being present and felony Criminal Damage to Government Property exceeding $500 but less than $10,000, as confirmed by police on Sunday.

While no other injuries were reported, the incident did cause significant delays for passengers on the Blue Line, police noted.

Friday morning’s fiery incident happened on the same day CTA officials planned to bolster their police presence at stations and stops across the city after submitting a safety plan to the federal government.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

You May Also Like
Southern California dad killed in Venezuela earthquake hotel collapse

Southern California Father Killed as Venezuela Hotel Collapses During Earthquake

A Southern California family is mourning an unimaginable loss after a loved…
Helicopter reports near miss with RC plane near JFK after JetBlue drone strike

Helicopter Pilot Reports Near Miss With RC Plane Near JFK After JetBlue Drone Strike

A helicopter pilot said he “just almost ran into a gigantic RC…
Postal worker and mom of two killed while delivering mail, leaving kids orphaned after husband's death: cops

Postal Worker Mom Killed on Mail Route, Leaving Two Children Orphaned After Father’s Death, Police Say

A longtime postal employee and mother of two was fatally shot while…
Helicopter pilot reports near miss with remote-controlled plane on same day JetBlue aircraft hits drone before landing at JFK

JetBlue Drone Strike at JFK Coincides With Helicopter Pilot’s Near-Miss With Remote-Controlled Plane

A helicopter pilot reported narrowly avoiding a remote-controlled aircraft on the same…
Vera C. Rubin Observatory begins decade-long survey of the universe

Vera C. Rubin Observatory Launches 10-Year Legacy Survey of Space and Time

NEW YORK — The largest digital camera ever constructed is beginning to…
Virginia first responders form human chain to rescue driver

Virginia First Responders Create Human Chain to Rescue Stranded Driver

Virginia first responders moved swiftly to save a driver trapped inside a…
EXCLUSIVE: New Bodycam Video From Paul Kessler Murder Scene Contradicts Defense's Claims

Exclusive: New Bodycam Footage From Paul Kessler Death Scene Appears to Challenge Defense Claims

Muslim college professor Loay Alnaji is scheduled to be sentenced June 30…
LeBron James informs Lakers that he will play elsewhere during next NBA season, ESPN reports

LeBron James tells Lakers he plans to play for another team next season, ESPN reports

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James is set to play an unprecedented 24th…
Dave Portnoy says he 'would love' to run against 'clown politicians' like NYC Mayor Mamdani

Dave Portnoy Teases Political Run Against NYC Mayor Mamdani and Other Clown Politicians

Could Dave Portnoy be eyeing a run for City Hall? The Barstool…
Chris Kraszynski of Prospect Heights, IL wins $2.5M in Rob Roy Country Club Village Condo Association pesticide exposure case

Prospect Heights Man Chris Kraszynski Wins $2.5M in Rob Roy Condo Pesticide Exposure Case

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — A Prospect Heights resident has been awarded…
San Francisco archdiocese agrees to $395M settlement with 530 clergy abuse survivors

San Francisco Archdiocese Reaches $395 Million Settlement With 530 Clergy Abuse Survivors

The Archdiocese of San Francisco has reached a $395 million settlement agreement…
Colorado Democratic Socialist candidate Melat Kiros called 9/11 terror attacks 'inevitable' due to US foreign policy

Colorado Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros Draws Scrutiny for Saying 9/11 Was Inevitable Under U.S. Foreign Policy

Colorado Democratic Socialist candidate Melat Kiros recently said the Sept. 11 and…