Man Charged in Red Line Robbery Spree

CHICAGO — A man has been charged with participating in a series of robberies that occurred along the Red Line from Bryn Mawr to the Loop on a single night in September.

According to police reports, the robbers targeted their first victim near Bryn Mawr at around 10:50 p.m. on September 17. The victim was forced off the train at a station north of Uptown where he was attacked by a group of five or six males wearing hoodies. The victim was punched in the face and had his phone, glasses, and AirPod case stolen.

Shortly after, another robbery took place near the Sheridan station. A man reported that he was mugged by five to seven individuals between Wilson and Sheridan stations. The group assaulted him, stole his phone, opened his backpack, and took his bank cards. Despite the attack, the victim declined medical attention.

Another incident was reported at the Clark-Division stop, where victims were attacked without provocation and then forced to exit the train after being robbed.

Although most victims mentioned being attacked by a group of five or six people, CPD released surveillance images of only three suspects shortly after the robbery spree.

On Sunday morning, Chicago police arrested Demond Watson, 26, at the Jackson Red Line station in connection with the Clark-Division mugging. According to a detention petition, Watson was identified as one of the assailants who struck a 30-year-old victim in the face and body, stealing his phone and wallet.

Authorities stated that Watson was captured on CTA surveillance video as one of the attackers. He is facing charges of robbery and aggravated battery of a transit passenger.

Despite the state’s detention request, Judge Ankur Srivastava decided to release Watson on electronic monitoring until his trial.

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