The horrifying incident that took place on a Blue Line train in the Loop this week has shocked and terrified the residents of Chicago. Lawrence Reed, a 50-year-old man with a history of violent behavior, is accused of setting a 26-year-old woman on fire in a random and senseless attack. The details of the attack, as described in a federal criminal complaint, paint a disturbing picture of Reed’s actions that night.
According to the complaint, Reed was seen on CTA surveillance video filling a container with gasoline at a West Side gas station before boarding a Blue Line train. Once on the train, Reed approached the woman from behind, poured gasoline over her, and attempted to ignite it. When the woman fought him off, Reed lit the bottle itself on fire and used it to set the woman ablaze. The victim, still engulfed in flames, managed to exit the train at the Clark and Lake platform, where bystanders rushed to her aid.
Reed’s arrest came the following morning after officers spotted him wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance footage. Body-worn camera recordings showed fire injuries on Reed’s right hand, further linking him to the attack. During the ride to the detective division, Reed reportedly yelled chilling phrases like “burn b****” and “burn alive b****,” indicating a disturbing state of mind.
Reed’s history of violent behavior includes a previous incident in April 2020 where he set fire to the north end of the Thompson Center due to frustrations over not receiving his Social Security check. Despite being arrested multiple times while on probation for that incident, Reed received mental health probation and was deemed to have performed satisfactorily on probation.
The attack on the Blue Line train is not the first violent incident involving Reed. In August, Reed allegedly assaulted a social worker at a psychiatric facility, causing significant injuries to the victim. Despite the severity of the charges, a judge ordered Reed’s release on electronic monitoring rather than keeping him in jail.
The disturbing pattern of violence and lack of consequences in Reed’s case raise questions about the justice system’s ability to protect the public from individuals with a history of violent behavior. The victim of the Blue Line attack remains in critical condition, highlighting the devastating impact of Reed’s actions on innocent lives.
As Chicago residents grapple with the aftermath of this horrific incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals in our communities. The need for accountability and prevention of such senseless acts of violence is more pressing than ever.
In a recent court order, a judge barred an individual named Reed from the psychiatric hospital, except in cases of medical emergencies. This decision came after Reed’s electronic monitoring order was modified to allow him limited time outside his home on specific days. However, the orders did not permit Reed to be out of his home or on public transportation at 9:35 p.m. on Monday or any other day.
Interestingly, over the weekend, there was a fire set outside City Hall that matched Reed’s general description. Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the incident, stating that such violence has no place in politics. However, there is no evidence linking Reed to the City Hall fire, and he has not been charged in connection with it.
This case adds to a concerning trend in Chicago, as Reed becomes the 19th person accused of violent crimes while on pretrial release for a felony offense this year. This highlights the ongoing issue of individuals committing serious offenses while awaiting trial.
This report is part of a series focusing on individuals involved in violent incidents while on pretrial release. The series began in response to Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans’ claim that there have been no “horrible incidents” under the court’s bond reform initiative. However, the actual number of crimes committed by individuals awaiting trial is likely higher than reported, given the low rate of charges brought in non-fatal shootings and murders.
As we continue to monitor these cases, it is essential to acknowledge the need for a comprehensive approach to pretrial release policies to ensure the safety of the community. Original reporting like this is made possible by the support of our readers.
