Man on federal weapons probation had loaded gun on Red Line, sheriff says

Man on Federal Probation Arrested for Carrying Loaded Gun on CTA Red Line Train

A 40-year-old man who was on federal probation for a weapons conviction has found himself back in custody after Cook County sheriff’s police officers discovered him carrying a loaded gun on a CTA Red Line train.

The arrest comes as the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols on CTA trains in response to pressure to enhance rider safety. The heightened presence of law enforcement has already yielded positive results, according to officials.

Authorities reported that sheriff’s police were conducting routine patrols on the platform at 95th Street when they observed the man, identified as Carl Adams, moving between train cars through emergency doors, which is a violation of CTA rules.

Adams was taken into custody for disorderly conduct, and during a search of his backpack, officers found a loaded pistol. He was subsequently charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, and Judge Deidre Dyer ordered him to be detained pending trial.

Court records reveal that Adams was placed on federal probation in August 2025 for a previous gun-related offense. This probation stemmed from an incident on February 1, 2020, where he was arrested by Chicago police for carrying a loaded pistol in his waistband on the 4500 block of West Jackson Boulevard.

Federal prosecutors outlined a lengthy criminal history for Adams spanning over two decades, including charges such as retail theft, residential burglary, drug offenses, and various other criminal activities.

With this latest arrest, Adams faces the possibility of having his current federal probation revoked and potentially serving a federal prison sentence. Additionally, he may be subject to new federal charges related to the firearm found on the CTA train.

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