Man Robbed at Knife Point on CTA Bus in Chicago Loop
A man returning home from a kickboxing class in the Loop was the victim of a terrifying armed robbery aboard a CTA bus. Trayshawn Wheeler, 22, and Malik Majali, 20, have been arrested and charged with armed robbery in connection with the incident.
The robbery took place around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, December 15, as the 26-year-old victim boarded a southbound CTA bus at 16 South Michigan Avenue. The victim was seated in the middle section of the bus as it traveled south through the Loop.
When the bus reached the 2300 block of South King Drive, Wheeler and Majali approached the man. Wheeler demanded the victim’s phone and then brandished a knife, pressing it against the victim’s throat. The victim complied and handed over his phone.
Wheeler then demanded the phone’s PIN, which the victim provided multiple times before entering it himself. After briefly returning to their seats, Majali instructed the victim to empty his pockets as Wheeler opened the rear emergency exit. Majali took the victim’s $5 bill before both suspects fled the scene.
The victim alerted the bus driver and used another passenger’s phone to call 911. Police officers were able to locate Wheeler and Majali in the area shortly after the incident. A search of Wheeler revealed the victim’s phone, the $5 bill, and a bladed multitool.
Court records indicate that Wheeler is currently on mental health probation following a prior conviction in May 2025 for aggravated battery on public transit and aggravated battery of a peace officer.
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