Man sought after attempted sexual assault on CTA Blue Line train in Austin

Chicago police are searching for a suspect who allegedly attacked a woman on a westbound train

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:12am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled subway ticket stub, the harsh flash illuminating the textured paper against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a crime on public transportation.The attempted sexual assault on a CTA Blue Line train exposes the vulnerability of public transit riders and the need for stronger safety measures.Chicago Today

Chicago police are looking for a man who tried to sexually assault a woman on a CTA Blue Line train in the Austin neighborhood on Saturday. The suspect allegedly approached the victim while making sexual comments, attacked her, and fled at the Austin Avenue stop.

Why it matters

Incidents of sexual assault and harassment on public transportation are an ongoing concern in many cities, raising issues of public safety, security, and the need for better monitoring and response from transit authorities.

The details

According to police, the 40-49-year-old Black male suspect approached the female victim while she was traveling westbound on a CTA Blue Line train between Cicero Avenue and Austin Avenue. The suspect allegedly made sexual comments and then attacked the victim in an attempt to sexually assault her. He then exited the train at the Austin Avenue stop and fled the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the attempted sexual assault and searching for the suspect.

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What’s next

Area Four Detectives are asking anyone with information about the suspect or incident to contact them at 312-746-8251 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference #JK222502.

The takeaway

This attempted assault highlights the ongoing need for improved safety and security measures on public transportation systems to protect riders, especially women, from harassment and violence.