Man Arrested After Setting Woman on Fire Inside a CTA Train in Chicago

CTA train attack suspect arrested in Chicago

Victim remains critical

Attack sets CTA train on fire

A 26-year-old woman remains in critical condition after she was set on fire inside a CTA Blue Line train, an incident that has shocked riders and local authorities.

The attack occurred around 9:30 p.m. at the station located between Clark and Lake streets, a busy area in downtown Chicago.

According to the preliminary police report, the victim had been arguing with a man—approximately 45 years old—inside the train car just minutes before she was assaulted.

During the altercation, the suspect poured a flammable liquid on her and immediately ignited it, causing the young woman to burst into flames.

The CTA train attack caused chaos inside the train as the suspect fled

Chicago CTA train attack suspect arrested – Photo: Shutterstock

According to the police report, CTA personnel stopped the train quickly after noticing the emergency. Amid the chaos, the attacker escaped while the victim collapsed to the floor as flames spread across her body.

She was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where she is being treated for severe burns on multiple parts of her body.

RELATED: Man Burns Woman Alive on Chicago Train After Dispute

Meanwhile, police launched a perimeter search around the station to locate the suspect.

Hours later, the man was arrested and is now in custody as authorities prepare formal charges.

Riders voice concerns about safety on Chicago trains

The incident has raised new concerns among CTA riders, who say violent episodes have become increasingly common.

“It’s a bit messy—lots of people smoking, it’s not very clean, and that doesn’t make you feel safe,” said Angelik Kanan, a CTA passenger interviewed after the attack. She mentioned she usually rides the train only during work hours to avoid risky situations.

“And even though there’s security, they’re just there—they don’t do much. I wish they reacted more to these inconceivable acts,” she added, expressing her fear after the incident.

As of now, the CTA has not issued an official statement despite inquiries from local media such as Telemundo Chicago.

Victim remains hospitalized as investigation advances

Chicago police said the motive behind the argument that preceded the attack is still unknown. It has not been confirmed whether the victim and attacker knew each other or if this was a random act of violence.

Arson detectives have taken over the case to determine the exact sequence of events and the type of flammable substance used.

Meanwhile, the community remains alarmed by the brutality of the attack and is demanding increased security measures on public transportation.

The victim is still hospitalized in critical condition as authorities work to fully reconstruct the case and file formal charges against the suspect, according to Telemundo.