He stabbed a Blue Line passenger because eye contact ‘triggers’ him, officials say

Man Arrested for Randomly Stabbing Stranger on CTA Blue Line Train

A disturbing incident unfolded on a CTA Blue Line train in the Loop when a 28-year-old man randomly stabbed a stranger because eye contact “triggers” him, Chicago police revealed during a court hearing. The suspect, identified as South Loop resident Aaron Hawkins, now faces three counts of aggravated battery for the violent assault that took place on June 3.

The victim, a 38-year-old man, was attacked multiple times in the neck and underarm while the train was near the LaSalle Street station. He sustained serious injuries and required stitches following the unprovoked attack.

After releasing surveillance images of the suspect to the public, Chicago police were able to identify Hawkins. His arrest came after he surrendered at the Central (1st) District police station in the South Loop. It was reported that Hawkins’ mother recognized him in the CPD bulletin, leading to his apprehension.

During a court hearing, Judge Antara Rivera ordered Hawkins to be detained, citing him as “a danger to the community should anyone look at him.”

Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.