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
Google co-founder Sergey Brin says he fled socialism in statement ripping billionaire tax

Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin Criticizes Billionaire Tax, Citing Escape from Socialism

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google and a billionaire, recently broke his silence…
Police investigate 'suspicious disappearance' of elderly man linked to cryptocurrency fortune

Federal Authorities Join Search for Missing California Man Tied to Lucrative Cryptocurrency Holdings

The FBI has stepped in to assist in the search for a…
Billionaire tax could later target California’s middle class

Potential Shift in Billionaire Tax to Impact California’s Middle Class

California’s proposed billionaire tax, a subject of heated debate, might not be…
Chicago weather forecast: Potentially severe storms expected Monday, with risk of high winds, hail and tornadoes

Severe Weather Alert: Chicago Faces High Winds, Hail, and Tornado Threat on Monday

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is bracing for potentially severe weather…
Trump admin warns Iraq over Iran terror proxies as US reportedly blocks cash payments

Trump Administration Intensifies Pressure on Iraq Amidst Rising Threat from Iran-Linked Terror Proxies and Halted Cash Transfers

The Trump administration has reportedly escalated its efforts to pressure Iraq into…
Mayor Mamdani to delay NYC budget release, asks council for extension: sources

Mayor Mamdani Seeks Extension on NYC Budget Release, Delays Unveiling for Strategic Review

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is urging the City Council to approve an extension…
Easy Fix: How to deep clean your greasy range hood filter

Revitalize Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Greasy Range Hood Filter

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen…
Added security for lawmakers after Cole Allen's alleged Donald Trump assassination attempt at White House correspondents' dinner

Enhanced Security Measures Implemented for Lawmakers Following Alleged Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump by Cole Allen at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

In response to a recent attack during the White House correspondents’ dinner…
KKK informants to the SPLC de-hooded: One-legged 'true believer' and cleaning lady, who show no signs of reform

Unmasking the KKK: SPLC Reveals Identities of Unreformed Informants Including One-Legged Devotee and Cleaning Lady

Among the eight individuals who received substantial payments from the Southern Poverty…
World Cup fan zones will be free across NYC

Experience the Excitement: Free World Cup Fan Zones Open Across NYC for Ultimate Soccer Celebration

New Yorkers are in for a treat. Fans of the World Cup…
Dem Sen. Blumenthal: 'Need to Be Very Clear That DHS Won't Be Funded' 'Longer Term'

Sen. Blumenthal Urges Clear Stance on DHS Funding: A Critical Look at Future Implications

During Monday’s episode of MS NOW’s “Morning Joe,” Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appoints David Glockner, former prosecutor, Exelon executive, as city's new inspector general

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Names David Glockner, Former Prosecutor and Exelon Executive, as City’s New Inspector General

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the appointment of David Glockner as…