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

Surprising Spencer Pratt Billboard Makes Waves in Georgia

Spencer Pratt, a Republican candidate whose mayoral bid in Los Angeles initially…

Fetterman Op-Ed: Democrats Must Offer More Than Just Opposition to Trump

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has called upon his fellow Democrats to…

U.S. Military Executes Precision Strike, Eliminates Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific Drug Bust

The United States military executed a deadly operation against a suspected drug-trafficking…

Influencer Clavicular Faces Charges for Allegedly Shooting Alligator During Livestream

Clavicular, a well-known influencer in the “looksmaxxing” community, has found himself embroiled…

Virginia’s Supreme Court Redistricting Ruling: Key Insights and Upcoming Midterm Election Changes for 2026

WASHINGTON — The reshaping of the American political landscape gained momentum this…

US Initiates Evacuation of American Passengers from Hantavirus-Affected Cruise Ship for Quarantine in Nebraska

The United States government is in the process of evacuating American citizens…

Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach Discuss the Conclusion of ‘The Bear’ and Its Implications for Season 5

*Spoilers Ahead* On an unexpected note, FX delighted fans on Tuesday by…

World Cup Ticket Prices Spark Outrage Among Fans

As the excitement for the World Cup builds, fans in California are…

Unveiling the Unseen: Eight UFO Videos Surface in Documentary Before Congressional Release

A forthcoming documentary will unveil eight of the 46 eagerly awaited UFO…

Putin Leads Scaled-Back Victory Day Parade in Moscow: What It Means for Russia’s Military Display

During a military parade on Moscow’s Red Square commemorating the victory over…

Two Syracuse Officers Injured in Shooting Incident Involving Machete Attack on Dog, Reports Indicate

In Syracuse, two police officers were reportedly injured by gunfire from an…

Governor Newsom Declines Intervention as Convicted Rapist and Murderer Nears Prison Release

Governor Gavin Newsom faces intense criticism from prosecutors in San Luis Obispo…