Man predicted he will ‘get right back out’ after trying to rob CTA passenger while wearing ankle monitor: court docs
A Man Already on Electronic Monitoring Detained for Attempted Robbery with a Sledgehammer
Tyrone Wideman, a 24-year-old man who was already on electronic monitoring for allegedly assaulting a police officer, has been detained after attempting to rob a CTA passenger in Lakeview while armed with a sledgehammer. Wideman’s bold statement to police that he would quickly be released proved to be incorrect.
Wideman had previously been charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer for punching a Forest Park police officer, a charge that is not detainable under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act. Despite this, Judge Ralph Meczyk released Wideman on electronic monitoring. However, on May 30, Wideman allegedly struck again on a CTA bus in Lakeview.
Prosecutors stated that Wideman approached a 24-year-old man on the bus, demanded his headphones, and brandished what appeared to be a firearm with a wooden handle. The victim and his girlfriend attempted to leave, but a struggle ensued, leading to the man escaping with his headphones. Wideman then pulled out a sledgehammer and swung it towards the victim before fleeing.
Police responding to the scene apprehended Wideman nearby, who initially ran into an alley holding his waistband. A sledgehammer similar to the one seen in CTA surveillance footage was recovered from a nearby trash can. Body camera footage captured Wideman confidently stating that he would be released soon, despite the serious nature of the charges against him.
However, Judge Ankur Srivastava ultimately detained Wideman on a charge of attempted armed robbery, citing him as a public safety threat. With multiple witnesses to the incident, including the victim, the judge deemed it necessary to keep Wideman in custody.
This case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with repeat offenders and the importance of ensuring public safety in such situations.
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