Man Receives Ten-Year Sentence for Pushing Tourist off Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Platform
After recently being released from jail for assaulting a woman in the Loop, Gary Coleman committed another violent act by pushing a tourist off the platform at the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station, resulting in severe injuries for the victim. Coleman was sentenced to ten years in prison for the attack.
Police had initially arrested Coleman in October 2021 for punching a 60-year-old woman, causing her to lose consciousness after hitting her head on the sidewalk. Despite the severity of the incident, he was only charged with a misdemeanor.
Throughout court proceedings, it was evident that Coleman was struggling with mental health issues. He exhibited disorganized speech and behavior, making it difficult for him to participate in legal proceedings.
Following his initial arrest, Coleman was sentenced to eight months of conditional discharge for the assault on the woman in the Loop. However, he continued to struggle with his mental health, leading to the tragic incident at the Cermak Green Line station.
On the day of the attack, a tourist and her daughter were at the station, preparing for the Chicago Marathon. Coleman approached them, displaying erratic behavior and speaking angrily to himself. Without warning, he punched the older woman in the face, causing her to fall onto the train tracks below.
The victim sustained serious injuries, including a broken orbital bone, dislocated wrist, concussion, and facial lacerations. Coleman fled the scene, but was later apprehended by police after being identified through CTA surveillance footage.
During his court appearance, Coleman pleaded guilty to aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Judge Ursula Walowski sentenced him to ten years in prison, with the possibility of early release for good behavior. With credit for time served, Coleman is expected to be incarcerated for approximately two years.
