Suspect in custody after man fatally shot near CTA Red Line station

Jessica D'Onofrio Image
Monday, April 17, 2017
Suspect arrested in fatal shooting fo man near CTA station
A suspect is in custody after a man was shot and killed near a CTA Red Line station on the South Side early Monday, Chicago police said.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A suspect is in custody after a man was shot and killed near a CTA Red Line station on the South Side early Monday, Chicago police said.

Surveillance video showed the 33-year-old victim get into an argument with another man inside the Garfield Station on the Red Line in the 200-block of West Garfield Avenue at about 2:39 a.m., police said.

After a CTA employee told the men to leave, they complied and continued to argue as they left the station. Outside of the station, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the head and chest, police said.

"I heard shots as I was getting on the train. As the train was pulling up I was going south, I heard shots, you know, and I am looking, like, 'Is this shots?' because I am immune to hearing shots in Chicago," said Daniel Ryan, CTA rider.

The man was transported to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Chicago police said officers took the suspect into custody within a few minutes of the incident and a weapon has been recovered. The motive for the shooting is unclear.

"Detectives see them on video walking up to the station, but they do not know if they met two minutes ago or if they have been long-time associates. We don't know that at this time," said Chief Melissa Staples, Chicago Police Department.

The shooting has some people who rely on public transportation nervous.

"It's just scary, it is very frightening," said commuter Kasmela Raines.

"I probably could have gotten caught in the middle of it," said rider Amari Johnson.

"It makes me even more cautious and aware of my surroundings" said rider Niachole Moore.

"I don't want to have to worry about getting on the train, worried about getting hurt because I take the train," Ryan said.

Police said the incident is isolated, but they are increasing patrols at CTA stations.

"As Chief of Patrol, I have ordered increase patrols to CTA stations to ensure riders can get around the city and feel safe coming to the stations," said Chief Fred Waller, Chicago Police Department.

While the shooting did disrupt service for several hours early this morning, trains are running normally as of Monday afternoon.