CTA Red Line Assault Suspect Arrested
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police have a suspect in custody following an attempted sexual assault on the CTA Red Line.
A 27-year-old woman told police the attack happened on a southbound Red Line train around 5 a.m. on Sunday. It took police less than 24 hours to find the attacker and make an arrest. Charges were pending Monday morning.
Police said CTA surveillance cameras helped them solve the case. The woman found herself alone with the suspect on a Red Line car early Sunday morning. The southbound train had just left the Fullerton station, heading to the Clark/Division stop, when the man attacked her. She fought him off, and got away.
A CTA video surveillance camera captured the man on the platform.
"I think that's great. Technology really has improved to help catch criminals," Red Line rider Tanya Leon-Moreno said.
Fellow commuter Karianna Adamson said it's nerve-wracking as a college student to have to worry about her surroundings all the time.
"I guess it just makes you aware of your surroundings more and definitely traveling with someone else helps," she said.
Red Line commuter Cecilia Tripoli, said she's used to issues like this, having lived in Chicago her whole life.
"I usually take my bike when it's warm enough, because feel safer on the bike," she said.
Monday morning, members of the Guardian Angels passed out fliers asking for the public's help, but they weren't out for long, as police had the man in custody early Monday.
Police said the victim did not need medical attention.