A suspect has been charged after he allegedly punched an elderly man, knocking him onto the CTA Blue Line tracks on Monday morning.
According to Forest Park police, 39-year-old Tommie Carter is facing one count of attempted murder and three counts of aggravated battery to a police officer after an incident unfolded at the Harlem Avenue CTA Blue Line stop on Monday.
Police were called to the station at 8:34 a.m. Monday for reports of an assault. When officers arrived, they located an elderly man, who was laying on the tracks near the station.
It is believed that the suspect in the case punched the elderly man in the face during an altercation.
The victim was taken to an area hospital after nearly striking the electrified third rail, according to prosecutors. An approaching CTA train was able to stop short of the victim, with the train conductor observing the assault, according to police.
Carter was allegedly still at the train station when police arrived, and when officers attempted to detain him, he actively resisted arrest, fighting with officers and spitting on several before finally being taken into custody by River Forest and Forest Park police, according to prosecutors.
A public defender has been appointed in the case, and Carter’s next court hearing is set for December 19.
