FTA calls for more aggressive CTA safety plan or risk losing funding as Chicago police begin added patrols
Share this @internewscast.com

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

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
US Border Patrol agent kills suspected cartel smuggler after 'struggle' near Texas riverbank

Border Patrol Agent Involved in Shooting Incident in New Hampshire, Authorities Report

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a U.S. Customs and Border…
Northwestern University freshman Jake West's journey from TikTok star to Wildcats basketball player

From TikTok Fame to College Hoops: Northwestern Freshman Jake West Joins Wildcats Basketball Team

Before he even donned the Wildcats’ jersey, Northwestern University freshman Jake West…
Dog that bolted into Colorado mountains reunited with owner after 43 days in wilderness

Dog Reunited with Owner After 43 Days Lost in the Colorado Wilderness

A cherished canine that dashed into the Colorado wilderness has finally been…
Social media erupts after Stephen King makes false claim about Trump's family: 'What is this sh--?'

Social Media Abuzz Following Stephen King’s Inaccurate Statement on Trump’s Family: ‘What is This?

Stephen King, the renowned horror author, found himself in the midst of…
Putin puts 'nuclear triad' on fast track, Zelenskyy claims ‘World War 3’ underway

Putin Accelerates Nuclear Arsenal Development Amid Zelenskyy’s Dire World War 3 Warning

On Monday, President Vladimir Putin underscored the significance of advancing Russia’s nuclear…
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un re-elected as ruling party leader

Kim Jong Un Re-Elected as North Korea’s Ruling Party Leader: What It Means for Global Relations

Kim Jong Un has once again secured his position as the general…
'Sadistic' man charged after allegedly luring 13-year-old to motel for sex in twisted online plot

Twisted Online Trap: Man Charged for Allegedly Luring Teen to Motel in Disturbing Plot

Over the weekend, an 18-year-old man from Pennsylvania was taken into custody…
White House Now Confirms, U.S. Provided Intelligence Support for Mexico's Jalisco Cartel Strike

White House Confirms U.S. Intelligence Role in Major Jalisco Cartel Takedown

The situation in Mexico remains fluid and complex, although there are signs…
Massachusetts sixth-grader killed in Utah avalanche remembered as 'sweet, sassy and smart'

Tragic Utah Avalanche Claims Life of Beloved Massachusetts Sixth-Grader Remembered for Her Sweetness and Intelligence

An 11-year-old girl from Massachusetts tragically lost her life in an avalanche…
This grocery chain was just ranked No. 1 for customer satisfaction

Leading Grocery Chain Secures Top Spot in Customer Satisfaction Rankings

In a recent shift in consumer preferences, Trader Joe’s has been crowned…
'Somebody's worst nightmare': Man charged for Springfield house fire that killed one

Tragic Springfield House Fire Claims Life: Man Faces Charges

A 49-year-old named Julius Lindo faces charges of murder and arson following…
GOP lawyer enters race to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler in deeply blue NYC district

Republican Attorney Joins Race to Succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York’s Democratic Stronghold

In a surprising twist to the race for a prominent congressional seat,…