In a significant move to enhance safety on Chicago’s train lines, police officers confiscated two firearms and arrested two individuals at a CTA station in the Loop on Sunday morning.
The officers, part of the CPD’s Public Transportation Section Tactical Team, were conducting a routine check at the Clark-Lake station around 11:30 a.m. when they encountered Shane Doty, 25. Doty was found sitting in a train with an open bottle of alcohol. Upon requesting him to alight the train, officers noticed a suspicious bulge in his sweatshirt pocket, which turned out to be a loaded ghost gun, according to police reports.
While apprehending Doty, officers observed 23-year-old Sir Russell adjusting his waistband and attempting to leave the area swiftly. As officers approached Russell for questioning, he allegedly fled into another train car and resisted arrest. Police reportedly discovered a firearm concealed in his waistband.
Russell’s case is particularly noteworthy as records from the Illinois Department of Corrections indicate he was released from prison on February 5, having served time for firearm possession as a felon. Prior to this, he had a similar conviction in 2021.
Judge Shauna Boliker has ordered Russell to be detained on charges of being a felon in possession of a weapon and obstructing police. Meanwhile, Doty faces charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, though prosecutors opted not to seek his detention.
Under pressure from the Trump Administration to improve safety on the city’s transit lines, the CTA has been prompted to act swiftly. The administration has threatened to cut federal funding if safety measures are not enhanced, with initial patrol plans by CPD officers receiving criticism from Washington, D.C.
In response, last month saw the Cook County Sheriff’s Police begin their patrols of CTA train lines, adopting a proactive approach to maintaining order. Their presence has been noted in social media clips, showing them removing troublesome individuals from trains. The sheriff’s office has also made several arrests for illegal gun possession on the Red Line.
Additionally, the CTA announced on Monday the cancellation of a costly private security contract. The funds from this contract will now be redirected to law enforcement patrols and professionals trained specifically for these tasks, aiming to enhance safety.
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