Suspect with lengthy criminal history charged in CTA sexual assault

Kurtis Porter, 29, faces felony charges after attacking and sexually assaulting a woman in a CTA elevator

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:31pm

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A 29-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history has been charged after attacking and sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman in a CTA station elevator in Chicago on January 27. Surveillance video helped identify the suspect, Kurtis Porter, who was arrested the next day after a CTA supervisor recognized him at another station. Porter faces felony charges of criminal sexual abuse by force and aggravated battery against a transit passenger.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and security on Chicago's public transit system, as well as the challenges of repeat offenders with extensive criminal histories being released back into the community.

The details

According to police, on January 27 the 29-year-old female victim entered an elevator at the Jackson CTA Red Line station around 5:40 p.m. Surveillance video showed the 29-year-old male suspect following her into the elevator and attempting to cover the security camera. The victim said the suspect exposed himself and committed a sexual offense, then grabbed her and forced his face onto hers. Additional footage showed the suspect fleeing the scene. Police and CTA issued an internal bulletin with images from the video, and the next day a CTA supervisor recognized the suspect on the platform at Roosevelt station, leading to his arrest.

  • On January 27, the incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. at the Jackson CTA Red Line station.
  • On January 28, the suspect was arrested at the Roosevelt CTA station.

The players

Kurtis Porter

A 29-year-old man who has been charged with one felony count of criminal sexual abuse by force and one felony count of aggravated battery against a transit passenger. Porter has a lengthy criminal history with at least 15 prior charges since 2014, including battery, trespassing, and theft charges.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident, issued an internal bulletin with images from surveillance video, and arrested the suspect.

CTA

Chicago's public transit authority, whose security cameras captured footage of the incident and whose supervisor recognized the suspect, leading to his arrest.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to work to keep our public transit system safe for all riders.”

— Superintendent David Brown, Chicago Police Department (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Kurtis Porter at his upcoming court hearing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for improved security measures, mental health resources, and bail reform to address repeat offenders and protect public safety on Chicago's transit system.