Court records indicate that one of the two men accused of robbing a 17-year-old at a CTA Green Line station was already on pretrial release for allegedly possessing a gun at the same location.
Stephon Edwards, 19, and Xander Simmons, 20, are facing charges for allegedly confronting the teenager at the Green Line stop at 63rd and Ashland on February 18. They reportedly took his chain, backpack, and other belongings. Both individuals are currently held in custody awaiting trial, following Judge Ankur Srivastava’s decision to detain them on robbery charges.
Assistant State’s Attorney Farihah Syed’s detention filing reveals that the incident occurred around 6:52 p.m. The victim was on the first floor of the station when he noticed four individuals pass by. Shortly after, the group, wearing face masks, surrounded him. He felt a hard object pressed against his back, which he suspected was a gun.
Edwards allegedly confronted the teenager and demanded his chain, which was handed over. Another individual in the group reportedly took the victim’s backpack.
During the robbery, a CTA employee approached and questioned the group, asking if they were robbing the victim. One of the individuals allegedly confirmed, saying, “Yes, we the f*** are.”
After the incident, the victim contacted his mother, explained the situation, and informed her that the group was boarding a nearby CTA bus. He advised her to hang up and call the police. Officers intercepted the bus about a mile away.
The victim identified Edwards, Simmons, and a juvenile as the assailants. The fourth individual involved was not located.
Edwards was reportedly still wearing the victim’s chain when apprehended. Chicago Police Department officers recovered some of the victim’s belongings from the group. Prosecutors claim that CTA surveillance footage supports the victim’s account.
Court documents show that Simmons was previously arrested on July 6 at the same Green Line station, where he was allegedly found with a firearm equipped with an extended magazine. At that time, prosecutors requested Judge James Murphy III to detain Simmons, but the request was denied.
In deciding to detain Edwards, Judge Srivastava noted Edwards’ recent felony gun conviction and a juvenile record for carjacking.
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