Man, 81, badly injured during robbery at CTA Brown Line station

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police said an 81-year-old man was badly injured during a robbery at the CTA Brown Line Washington/Wabash station Monday.

Police said the victim was a passenger on a train approaching the Washington/Wabash stop at about 9:25 p.m. When the doors opened, the suspect ripped the victim's cell phone from his hand, police said.

According to police, a struggle for the phone ensued which caused the victim to fall down the platform staircase.

The victim suffered a laceration to his right temple, bruising, abrasions, swelling to his hands and knees, and bleeding on the brain. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit at a local hospital.

The suspect is described as a black male, 19 to 24 years old, between 5 ft. 4 in. and 5 ft. 7 in. tall, wearing a black do rag, black t-shirt and gray pants.

"There's just so much crime and violence going on here in the city, breaks my heart to hear people picking on elderly," said Kim Watts.

The incident occurred at one of the CTA's newest stops. Security camera pictures show the pair tussling down the stairs, and a clear shot as the alleged attacker walks away, leaving an elderly man bleeding at the bottom.

"If something like that would have happened when I was around I definitely would have gotten involved," said Reggie Allen.

"There's no excuse for that. I'm glad the cameras got it and I hope they catch the perpetrator," said Chris Bellmore.

The crime is similar to one in 2011. Prince Watson is now serving prison time for murder after throwing a woman down the stairs at the Fullerton stop after stealing her cell phone. She later died.

If you have any information about the suspect, contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8384.