Connect with us

Midwest

Chicago train attack suspect ordered by judge to remain in custody ahead of trial

Published

on

Chicago train attack suspect ordered by judge to remain in custody ahead of trial

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The suspect who was federally charged after allegedly lighting a young woman on fire this week on a Chicago Blue Line train was ordered by a judge to remain detained ahead of his trial. 

Lawrence Reed, 50, is charged with committing a terrorist attack or violence against a mass transportation system. Federal prosecutors said Reed intentionally used gasoline and a lighter to set the woman on fire at about 9:30 p.m. Monday.   

“He is simply too dangerous for pre-trial release,” federal prosecutors wrote in a court filing obtained by Fox News ahead of Reed’s detention hearing on Friday. 

“Defendant’s actions and criminal history, as shown below, demonstrate that he is a serious danger to everyone in the community,” the filing added. “The state court system has been unable to contain defendant’s violent crimes, and federal intervention is now needed.

Advertisement

BLUE CITY SUSPECT WITH NUMEROUS PRIOR ARRESTS FEDERALLY CHARGED AFTER ALLEGEDLY SETTING WOMAN ABLAZE ON TRAIN 

Lawrence Reed, 50, is charged with one count of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system, the Northern District of Illinois U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement. (Chicago Police Department; U.S. District Court)

Judge Laura McNally ultimately ordered Reed detained pre-trial, citing his criminal history, the seriousness of the allegations, and the danger he poses to the community. 

During Friday’s hearing, Reed — appearing in a jail jumpsuit and handcuffs — told the judge, “I’m going to represent myself.” 

Lawrence Reed is pictured in a courtroom sketch of his detention hearing on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (L.D. Chukman)

Advertisement

Prosecutors described the alleged conduct as “horrific and depraved,” saying Victim A was simply “minding her own business” when Reed ignited her. As surveillance images were displayed in court, Reed shook his head, smirked and at one point winked toward apparent family members in the gallery.

CHICAGO PERSON OF INTEREST IN TRAIN FIRE ATTACK HAS 22 PRIOR ARRESTS, WAS FREED BY JUDGE: REPORT 

Train footage shows Reed allegedly coming up behind the woman and pouring the liquid on her head and body. (U.S. District Court documents)

Federal prosecutors said Reed, according to Chicago Police Department records, has been arrested at least 72 times over the last 30 years. 

“At least 15 of those arrests were since 2016, with the most recent occurring in August 2025.  He has approximately 15 convictions, eight of which were for felony offenses including arson, criminal damage to government supported property valued over $500, drug trafficking, drug possession, and a felony traffic offense,” the filing said. 

Advertisement

During Monday’s alleged attack, Reed “was facing charges in the Circuit Court of Cook County for aggravated battery causing great bodily harm after he allegedly struck a person about the head or face area with an open palm while at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois,” according to the filing.

“Defendant presents a clear danger and persistent threat of terror to the community. Defendant has been leniently treated in state court, including receiving probationary sentences for violent offenses and pre-trial release for a victim-involved crime. In exchange for such lenient treatment, defendant has consistently re-offended and delved further into criminality,” it also said. “Just three months ago, defendant physically attacked someone at MacNeil Hospital, but a judge ordered him released from custody pending trial.  Undeterred, defendant, on Monday, set Victim A on fire.” 

Lawrence Reed was allegedly wearing the same clothing as the suspect seen on surveillance footage lighting a 26-year-old woman on fire when authorities confronted him one day later, according to federal prosecutors. (U.S. District Court)

When given the chance to speak on Friday, Reed said he agreed with the government’s request for detention, telling the judge repeatedly: “It’s for my safety. I don’t feel safe out there. . . . I don’t feel safe to society. . . . I’m a target from society.” 

Judge McNally ordered him detained, citing his history, the strength of the evidence and community risk. She also ordered a mental evaluation after Reed told the court he had not taken his medication.

Advertisement

As the hearing concluded, Reed told the judge: “Just make sure I eat. . . . If you want to trial me, you have to feed me.” 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP 

The judge did not state an explicit next court date during the hearing.

Fox News’ Alexandra Koch contributed to this report. 

Advertisement

Read the full article from Here

Indianapolis, IN

Third Public Safety Camera Added on Washington Street in Downtown Indy

Published

on

Third Public Safety Camera Added on Washington Street in Downtown Indy


Source: FOX 59

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has installed a new public safety camera in downtown Indy.

The camera is positioned at the intersection of W Washington Street and N Illinois Street. It’s the third camera installed along Washington Street in the last three months.

IMPD Downtown District Commander Shane Foley told FOX 59 that they’ve had a lot of success with these cameras so far in identifying suspects involved in crimes.

“We’ve been able to make arrests because the cameras are there,” Foley said. “If the cameras weren’t there, there are certain situations we would not be able to make arrests.”

Advertisement

The area of Washington and Illinois Streets is one of the most travelled parts of downtown Indianapolis. Foley said adding a camera in this spot emphazies it’s importance.

“It’s important to have this tool to monitor activity,” said Foley, adding that the camera offers them five different angles of surveillance.

The streams from the cameras are monitored by IMPD’s real-time crime center and officers on the streets. Officers can be alerted to incidents from the video before 911 is called.

The Conrad Hotel funded the installation of the camera. They’re hoping the investment will help officers patrol the area and make the city safer.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland police arrest suspect in involuntary manslaughter investigation, find fentanyl and PCP

Published

on

Cleveland police arrest suspect in involuntary manslaughter investigation, find fentanyl and PCP


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cleveland Division of Police worked with multiple agencies to arrest a man in an investigation into involuntary manslaughter and found drugs during a police search Wednesday.

The Cleveland Division of Police Narcotics Unit worked with the U.S. Marshals Task Force to arrest 33-year-old James Williams as part of the division’s Violent Crime Reduction efforts.

Williams was taken into custody in the Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood in Cleveland’s Fourth District Wednesday.

He was previously wanted on an involuntary manslaughter investigation warrant in connection with three fatal drug overdoses, police say.

Advertisement

In November 2025, Williams was identified by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office as one of 37 suspects in a large-scale drug trafficking organization.

Police say that during the investigation into Williams, they seized thousands of grams of illegal narcotics.

After Williams’ arrest, the Narcotics Unit executed a search of his home.

During the search, police say the unit found 83 grams of suspected cocaine, 76 grams of suspected fentanyl and 824 grams of suspected PCP.

During the search, police say the unit found 83 grams of suspected cocaine, 76 grams of suspected fentanyl and 824 grams of suspected PCP.(WOIO)

Investigators say they seized numerous items associated with drug manufacturing and distribution that contained suspected drug residue.

Advertisement

Investigators say Williams was involved in distributing dangerous narcotics, including mixtures containing fentanyl and xylazine, a drug commonly used as a tranquilizer for animals.

Police say when xylazine is mixed with fentanyl, it can increase the risk of overdose and death.

Police said Narcan can reverse the opioid effects of fentanyl, but it cannot reverse the effects of xylazine, which makes those overdoses dangerous and in need of medical intervention.

“Every day, these men and women dedicate countless hours to complex investigations aimed at removing violent offenders, illegal firearms, and dangerous narcotics from our neighborhoods. We remain deeply concerned about the presence of Xylazine, a dangerous substance that does not respond to Narcan and is contributing to fatal overdoses,” Chief Dorothy Todd said. “We are grateful for the continued dedication of our local, state, and federal partners as we work together to reduce violent crime, disrupt criminal organizations, and keep Cleveland’s residents safe.”

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Illinois

Illinois Tollway proposing increased tolls in 2027 to fund $26.5 billion in road construction

Published

on

Illinois Tollway proposing increased tolls in 2027 to fund .5 billion in road construction


Illinois drivers might soon have to pay more to drive on the state’s tollways. 

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has proposed an increase in tolls in 2027. If approved by the board, it would be the state’s first toll hike since 2012.

Anyone who drives in the Chicago area likely jumps on one of the Illinois tollways at some point.

“I try to avoid them, you know what I mean? But if I’ve got to get somewhere, and it’s like 10 minutes quicker, I’ll just take the toll,” said Shomari Dyson.

Advertisement

But that toll could cost Dyson and thousands of drivers who take it an average of 45 cents more per toll for passenger vehicles and 30% more per toll for commercial vehicles starting Jan. 1, 2027, if the Illinois tollway board approves the proposed toll hike, and those paying the tolls aren’t happy

“It’s ridiculous. I’m constantly getting tolls, charges, refills on my bank account when my iPass goes through. So, I can imagine it’s just going to happen more and more often,” Jon Jackson said.

Currently, tolls run as low as 30 cents and as high as $1.50 at various toll plazas.

This proposed hike could place the average toll well over a $1 every time drivers pass through an automatic toll plaza.

“I like to know where my money is going, and then [Interstate] 294 has been under construction for the last 15 years, and that is frustrating,” Frank Faso said.

Advertisement

The tollway said the hike is needed to handle projected repairs for road widening, bridge repair, and new technology. It’s all tied to a 15-year capital improvement program estimated to cost $26.5 billion.

The tollway board also wants automatic inflation-based increases every two years starting in 2029.

“We pay our taxes, man, you know what I’m saying? So all that extra, it’s nonsense,” Dyson said.

“If we’re going to void and not take part in things like the World Cup and Soldier Field that’s going to bring tax revenue to the state, they shouldn’t charge me for it,” Faso said.

The board must hold a dozen meetings in various counties to get the public’s take before voting on the toll hike. The first one kicks off in August, but drivers question if the public hearings are really about input.

Advertisement

“I think they’re just going to keep going through the motions,” Jackson said.



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending