Suspect Facing Charges for Pushing Man onto CTA Tracks While Drunk

 Posted on November 01, 2017 in Uncategorized

At one point or another in our lives, we have all made questionable decisions. In some situations, it is reasonable to say that alcohol affected our judgment, but when the decisions in question lead to illegal behavior, having too much to drink is not a valid justification. Alcohol is certainly not an excuse when a person’s conduct places another’s life or physical well-being in jeopardy. This may have been the case a couple of months ago when an apparently intoxicated man allegedly pushed another man onto the tracks at CTA station in downtown Chicago. The victim was not seriously hurt, but the man who reportedly pushed him is now facing several charges including attempted murder and aggravated battery.

An Unpleasant Surprise

The incident occurred in early August when officials say a 34-year-old man jumped a turnstile at the Washington Street station of the CTA Blue Line. According to prosecutors and a surveillance video shown during preliminary hearings, the man appeared to be intoxicated as he stood behind the 46-year-old male victim. The younger man suddenly and without provocation pushed the victim onto the tracks, officials allege. The victim sprained his wrist in the fall and landed inches from the high-voltage third rail. The fallen man tried to get back onto the platform but the suspect reportedly blocked his attempts and pushed his hands away.

The victim was pulled to safety by a group of bystanders a few seconds before a Blue Line train entered the station. The suspect, meanwhile, jumped a turnstile and left the area. After receiving several tips from the public, Chicago police tracked down the suspect, and the victim identified the alleged attacker in a lineup. The suspect is currently free on $200,000 bond and pleaded not guilty to all of the charges this week. The proceedings are expected to resume in December.

Aggravated Battery in Illinois

While the suspect has been charged with attempted murder, unlawful restraint, and trespassing on CTA property, he is also facing two counts of aggravated battery. According to Illinois law, a person commits a battery when he makes physical contact with another person and inflicts bodily harm or makes physical contact in an insulting or provoking manner. A battery committed on public property—such as a train station—can increase the severity of the charge, making it aggravated battery. Aggravated battery on public property is a Class 3 felony, which carries a sentence of two to five years in prison and $25,000 in fines per offense.

If you or someone you love has been accused of any type of violent crime—regardless of whether alcohol may have been a factor—contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Joliet. At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., we will review your case and put our extensive resources to work in protecting your future. Call 815-740-4025 for a free consultation today.