Man Charged with Automatic Handgun on Chicago Blue Line Train

Alphonzo Jones was out on felony pretrial release when arrested for firearm and drug possession

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 38-year-old Chicago man named Alphonzo Jones has been charged with possessing an automatic-firing handgun and suspected narcotics while riding on a downtown Chicago Blue Line train. Jones was already out on felony pretrial release for a prior shoplifting case when he was arrested after a foot pursuit across two CTA stations.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and repeat offenders on Chicago's public transit system. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the city's pretrial release policies, as Jones was allegedly able to access a machine gun conversion device for a handgun while already out on bail for a previous felony.

The details

Police say officers from the CPD's Public Transportation Section Tactical Team were conducting a routine train and platform check at the Clinton Blue Line Station around 8:05 p.m. Thursday when they saw Jones smoking on a train. When they moved to detain him, Jones allegedly pulled away, causing one officer to fall. Jones then jumped onto the train tracks and fled, eventually surfacing at the UIC-Halsted Blue Line Station, where he allegedly tried to hide from responding units. Officers caught up with him and placed him into custody, finding the automatic-firing handgun and suspected narcotics in his possession.

  • On Thursday, March 28, 2026 around 8:05 p.m., police encountered Jones on a Blue Line train.
  • Jones fled from police, leading to a foot pursuit across two CTA stations.
  • Jones was ultimately apprehended and arrested on the same evening, March 28, 2026.

The players

Alphonzo Jones

A 38-year-old Chicago resident who was out on felony pretrial release for a prior shoplifting case when he was arrested for possessing an automatic-firing handgun and suspected narcotics on a downtown Chicago Blue Line train.

Chicago Police Department (CPD)

The law enforcement agency that arrested Jones and charged him with unlawful use of a machine gun, resisting a peace officer, and possession of a controlled substance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

On Friday, March 29, 2026, Cook County Judge Rivanda Doss Beal ordered Jones detained on the new charges and for allegedly violating the conditions of his pretrial release in the prior shoplifting matter.

The takeaway

This case raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Chicago's pretrial release policies, as a repeat offender was allegedly able to access a machine gun conversion device for a handgun while already out on bail for a previous felony. It underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces in addressing gun violence and public safety on its transit system.