Suspect Sought in Daytime CTA Bus Robbery on Lower West Side

Chicago police are searching for a suspect accused of robbing a woman aboard a CTA bus last month.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Chicago police are searching for a suspect accused of robbing a woman aboard a CTA bus on the Lower West Side on January 19th. The robbery occurred at 2:15 p.m. in the 3000 block of South Ashland Avenue, where the suspect allegedly used force to take the victim's property before fleeing. It's unclear if the woman was injured, and police have released an image of the suspect but provided few other details.

Why it matters

Robberies on public transportation are a concern for commuters, and this incident highlights the need for vigilance and safety measures on CTA buses and trains. The Lower West Side has seen an increase in property crimes in recent years, though overall crime rates have declined.

The details

According to the Chicago Police Department, the robbery occurred at 2:15 p.m. on January 19th in the 3000 block of South Ashland Avenue. The suspect allegedly used force to take the victim's property before fleeing the scene. It's unclear if the woman was injured during the incident. Police have released an image of the suspect but have not provided any additional details about the individual or the circumstances surrounding the robbery.

  • The robbery occurred at 2:15 p.m. on January 19, 2026.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the robbery and searching for the suspect.

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What’s next

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is asked to contact Public Transportation Area Detectives at 312-745-4447 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, referencing case No. JK120858.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for commuters to remain vigilant and take safety precautions when using public transportation, especially in areas that have seen an increase in property crimes. Cooperation with law enforcement and reporting suspicious activity can help address these issues and improve safety for all riders.