Same shirt, same shoes: mugshot from earlier arrest helped crack CTA robbery cases, prosecutors say

A CTA commuter played a key role in helping Chicago police solve a pair of transit robberies allegedly committed by a repeat offender who was already on felony pretrial release. Alphanso Carter, 34, is facing two counts of robbery in connection with incidents that took place within a half-hour of each other almost a year ago.

The first robbery occurred in the 3800 block of South Archer Avenue, where a 74-year-old man was on a CTA bus when his iPhone was forcibly taken by a perpetrator who then fled the scene. The victim later informed detectives that he had been able to track his stolen phone to an address in Joliet, providing a crucial lead in the investigation.

Following the victim’s tip, Chicago police issued a community alert with surveillance images of the suspect captured on the CTA bus. Detectives cross-referenced recent CPD arrests involving individuals with ties to Joliet, identifying Carter as a potential suspect among 15 names. Comparisons between Carter’s mugshot from a previous arrest and the suspect in the surveillance footage revealed striking similarities in clothing and appearance.

Further linking Carter to the crimes was another robbery that took place shortly after the initial incident. A 52-year-old woman riding a CTA Pink Line train had her phone snatched by Carter, who then fled the scene. Video footage from the CTA once again showed Carter wearing the same outfit he had on during his previous arrest.

Carter was apprehended by detectives following a court appearance in an unrelated retail theft case. Prosecutors revealed that he was already on felony pretrial release for a separate retail theft offense at the time of the robberies. Carter’s criminal record includes convictions for burglary, drug offenses, aggravated DUI, and retail theft.

In light of the evidence presented by prosecutors, Judge James Murphy III ordered Carter to be held in custody on the robbery charges.

This detailed account highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and a vigilant CTA rider in bringing a repeat offender to justice for his alleged involvement in transit robberies.