Incident Overview
A 63-year-old Chicago resident, Michael Manning, was attacked by a group of teens while traveling home from work on the Orange Line train on Monday night.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred around 11:15 PM when Manning boarded the train at the LaSalle/Van Buren stop. A group of about 12 teens entered the same car.
Initial Encounter
Manning noted the situation seemed suspicious but remained calm. Upon standing up, he was immediately struck in the back of the head, sending him forward into the group.
Assault Description
Describing the attack, Manning likened it to running through a “gauntlet of fists.” The group, comprising both boys and girls, continued to beat him as he attempted to escape.
Escape and Continued Assault
Manning managed to exit the train at the Quincy stop, but the group followed him onto the platform and continued their assault, leaving him bloodied.
Theft and Aftermath
The teens stole a few of Manning’s belongings before reboarding the train. Despite the severity of the attack, Manning feels fortunate to have escaped without more severe injuries.
Call for Action
Expressing his frustration, Manning questioned the lack of law enforcement and societal checks in place to prevent such incidents. He also mentioned his reluctance to use the train again in the near future.
Police Investigation
The Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) are currently investigating the incident. They are reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the attackers.
