Police in Chicago are actively searching for a man who assaulted and robbed an international college student on a CTA Red Line train in the early hours of Sunday morning. The victim, identified as Shubham Patil, a 23-year-old student from India attending Roosevelt University, described the experience as terrifying and is now contemplating leaving the country due to the ordeal.
The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. on January 25 while Patil was on the Red Line train. A man approached him, began shouting profanities, and then proceeded to physically attack him, taking his belongings as the train headed south from the Fullerton station. When the train reached North-Clybourn, Patil followed the assailant off the train, where he was once again robbed and assaulted before the suspect fled the scene.
In an interview with NBC Chicago, Patil revealed that he believes he was targeted because he was speaking with his grandmother in his native language on the phone. Despite pressing the help button and calling for assistance, Patil stated that the train operator only instructed him to move to another car, leaving him feeling helpless.
The traumatic experience has left Patil shaken, with thoughts of dropping out of school in Chicago and returning to his home country. He expressed forgiveness towards his attacker but urged them not to harm others in the future.
The suspect, described by Chicago police as a Black man standing 5’7″ to 5’9″ tall, weighing between 170 to 190 pounds, with a thin mustache, was wearing a light-colored hoodie, baseball hat, camouflage balaclava, dark leather jacket with light-colored fur lining, light-colored jeans, and white gym shoes with a dark-colored stripe on the side. Authorities are seeking any information regarding the suspect and ask the public to contact Public Transportation Detectives at 312-745-4447 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com referencing case #JK126702.
The CTA surveillance images of the suspect have been released to aid in the investigation. The full image can be viewed on the Chicago Police Department’s website. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance while using public transportation.
Support for this reporting is made possible by readers like you. Your contribution helps to fund our work and ensure that stories like these are brought to light. Thank you for your support.
