Chicago repeat offender suspect charged with setting woman ablaze on train
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The suspect, who has a lengthy criminal history and was released after being accused of a violent attack in August, was federally charged Monday for allegedly setting fire to a young woman on a Chicago Blue Line train and yelling “close b—-.”
According to a recent criminal complaint, Lawrence Reed, 50, is accused of terrorist attack or violence against the public transportation system.
Federal prosecutors allege Reed intentionally used gasoline and a lighter to burn a woman on a CTA Blue Line train around 9:30 p.m. Monday.
In a photo taken from train security footage, the suspect allegedly followed the woman to the back of the train car and then set her on fire. (U.S. District Court documents)
PASSENGERS IN AMERICA ARE UNDER SIEGE AS VIOLENT TRANSIT CRIMES DANGEROUS BLUE CITIES
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros said the woman was “minding her own business and reading her phone” as she sat in the middle of the train car when Reed approached her from the back of the car, doused her head and body with gasoline and tried to ignite the liquid.
The woman ran to the back of the car while he ignited the rest of the liquid in the bottle and then used it to set it on fire, according to the complaint.
Allegedly, in the footage, Reed can be seen watching the woman engulfed in flames by rolling on the ground and trying to extinguish the fire.
In the train footage, the suspect can be seen coming from behind the woman and pouring the liquid on her head and body. (U.S. District Court documents)
Boutros said that the woman rolled on the ground and desperately tried to extinguish the fire, but no one came to her aid.
When the train stopped at Clark and Lake, the complaint said the still-burning victim managed to climb out before falling onto the platform.
“When he finally stumbled, two Samaritans came and put out the fire that consumed him,” Boutros said.
Graphic video footage recorded at the scene shows Chicago Fire and EMS workers trying to load the woman into an ambulance.
According to the authorities, the condition of the woman, who suffered serious burns on her face and body, was stated to be critical.
Train footage shows that the suspect allegedly purchased the materials used in the attack from a nearby gas station. (U.S. District Court documents)
SEE: VIDEO SHOWS HIM STABBING SUSPECT ON CHARLOTTE TRAIN BEFORE ATTACK AND MINUTES BEFORE HE WAS ARRESTED
Prosecutors obtained photographs showing Reed entering the store at a gas station about 20 minutes before the attack, paying the cashier and filling a small container with gasoline.
Other footage shows Reed approaching the victim inside the train with a lit bottle in his hand.
Allegedly, Reed set the woman on fire and then got off the train and walked away.
He was arrested Tuesday morning, still wearing the same clothing from the attack and suffering from burns on his right hand, according to the complaint.
Officers recorded him repeatedly yelling “Yak b—-” and “Yak b—-” as he was taken to the detective department.
Investigators found the remains of some of the victim’s clothing, along with a partially melted bottle of lighter, clear liquid from his train seat.
Photos taken from the train show the moment the suspect allegedly doused the woman in gasoline. (U.S. District Court documents)
POLICE SAY CHICAGO WOMAN SET FIRE DURING AN ARGUMENT ON CTA TRAIN
At Reed’s first appearance in federal court on Wednesday, he allegedly shouted, “I plead guilty, I plead guilty, I plead guilty.”
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally asked him if he knew the maximum sentence was life in prison, and he replied: “Great, very nice, very nice.”
Following the hearing, ATF Special Agent in Charge Chris Amon commented on Reed’s “violent” criminal history and pending criminal cases, adding that he “has no business being on the streets.”
Train footage shows that the suspect allegedly purchased the materials used in the attack from a nearby gas station. (U.S. District Court documents)
“Reed had a lot of second chances with the criminal justice system, and as a result, you’re left with an innocent victim in the hospital fighting for his life,” Amon said. “Due to the swift action of CPD, ATF, and our law enforcement partners, Mr. Reed will have no choice.”
McNally recommended a mental and medical evaluation, but Boutros noted that Reed had not been declared mentally incompetent in connection with any of the previous charges.
According to authorities, Lawrence Reed, 50, is accused of terrorist attack or violence against the public transportation system. (Chicago Police Department)
Who is Chicago train attack suspect Lawrence Reed?
Records show Reed has a lengthy criminal history, including a charge of aggravated arson from April 2020 for allegedly setting a fire at the Thompson Center, where Gov. J.B. Pritzker was holding a daily COVID-19 briefing.
Halsted also faces misdemeanor battery charges after randomly punching multiple women in the face and slapping a 42-year-old man in the face at CTA Blue Line platform FOX 32 Chicago. reported.
In August, Reed was indicted on a charge of aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a woman at a psychiatric hospital. CWB Chicago reported. Despite prosecutors’ request for detention, he was released with an ankle monitor.
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Chicago Police Department records show Reed has been arrested at least 13 times by their agency alone since 2017. His accusations included:
- May 19, 2017: Driving with a revoked license, driver obstructing traffic, driving in reverse, operator signal, uninsured motor vehicle
- April 2, 2018: Soliciting illegal work, performing prohibited transactions, jaywalking
- June 19, 2018: Trespass to immovable property, criminal damage to property
- July 13, 2018: Assault, possession of controlled substance
- April 1, 2019: Driving with a revoked license, failure to signal three times, operating a motor vehicle without insurance
- 29 December 2019: Criminal damage to state property
- February 21, 2020: Battery
- February 28, 2020: Two battery charges
- April 23, 2020: Aggravated arson knowing that person(s) were present
- December 4, 2021: Simple attack
- December 21, 2021: Assault with intent to cause bodily harm
- June 1, 2022: Battery makes physical contact
- January 20, 2024: Criminal damage to property
Fox News’ Patrick McGovern contributed to this report.
