Leonard Johnson, a 26-year-old man with a history of violent criminal behavior and distinctive facial tattoos, has been charged with aggravated robbery for allegedly mugging a passenger on an Orange Line train in the Loop. Johnson, who has a crown and “RIP” inked on his face, was detained by Judge James Costello after threatening the assistant state’s attorney during a courtroom outburst.
According to prosecutors, Johnson blocked the train door as it arrived at a station around 1 p.m. on June 18, preventing a 27-year-old passenger from exiting. He implied he had a gun and demanded money from the victim, who initially handed over a $20 bill. However, the victim then asked if Johnson would accept a $5 bill instead, to which Johnson replied, “You just got robbed,” while taking the $5 bill.
The victim promptly contacted police, describing the robber as a man with multiple face tattoos, including a crown and “RIP.” Investigators used this description, along with CTA surveillance footage, to identify Johnson from his previous mugshots. Johnson was spotted by officers patrolling the 100 block of West Lake Street and taken into custody.
At the time of the robbery, Johnson was on pretrial release for felony retail theft and had recently finished parole for a 2018 carjacking in Lincoln Park. His criminal record includes convictions for violent crimes as both a juvenile and an adult. In 2018, Johnson was involved in a robbery on the Grand Red Line platform and received a 3-year prison sentence. Two years later, he was part of a carjacking incident where he and two accomplices stole a car and used the victim’s credit card at a gas station.
Johnson’s criminal behavior has been well-documented, and his latest arrest adds to his long list of offenses. It is clear that he poses a danger to society and has shown a pattern of violent behavior. Prosecutors are seeking to keep him detained due to the serious nature of his crimes and the potential threat he poses to the community.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the diligence of law enforcement in apprehending dangerous individuals. Johnson’s case highlights the need for swift and effective justice system interventions to protect the public from repeat offenders like him.
