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

Santa Barbara Tragedy: Man Accused of Horrific Act Against Beloved Dog ‘Coco’ in Front of Family

A man from Santa Barbara County is facing serious allegations of animal…

Howard Lutnick Scheduled to Provide Testimony in House Oversight Committee’s Investigation into Epstein Today

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is set to testify on Wednesday before the…

Indiana Firefighters Reunite Lost American Flag with its Owner

In Indiana, two firefighters garnered admiration for their discreet patriotic gesture when…

Bay Area Cities Intensify Efforts to Address Growing RV Homelessness Crisis

Throughout the Bay Area, a growing crackdown on homelessness involving vehicles and…

Philadelphia Crossing Guard Gains Viral Attention for Enjoying Ice Cream on Duty

He’s truly at the top of his game. A school crossing guard…

FBI Director Kash Patel Criticizes Sheriff Amid Controversy in Nancy Guthrie Case

FBI Director Kash Patel has expressed disapproval of how local authorities managed…

Bear Incident on Mystic Falls Trail: Two Hikers Injured Near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park

Two hikers found themselves in a dangerous situation when they were attacked…

EEOC Files Lawsuit Against New York Times Over Alleged Discrimination of White Male Employee

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has initiated legal action against the…

Trump-Endorsed Victories: A Surprising Shake-Up in Indiana and Ohio GOP Primaries

On Tuesday night, President Trump demonstrated his influential role in shaping the…

Heartbroken Fiancé Speaks Out: Tragic Safari Loss and Passport Seizure Drama Unfolds

This article addresses the subject of suicide. If you or anyone you…

Bloodhound Assists in Pursuit of Armed Special Forces Fugitive Following Alleged Domestic Shooting Incident

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In the tense hours following the alleged shooting incident…

Protesters and Police Clash Outside Historic NYC Synagogue During Tense Anti-Israel Demonstration

An aggressive group of protesters, adorned in keffiyehs and opposing Israel, took…