Man who flipped off CTA camera during Red Line robbery gets 16-year prison sentence

Chicago Robber Known for Flipping the Bird Gets 16-Year Sentence

In a brazen act of defiance, one of the suspects involved in a robbery on a Red Line train in September 2024, where a woman was targeted, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. The individual, identified as David Mitchell, 19, had a history of delinquent behavior and was on juvenile parole at the time of the incident.

The robbery took place near the 69th Street station, where Mitchell and four other accomplices, including two juveniles, robbed a 19-year-old woman. One of the juveniles brandished a firearm while Mitchell and the others demanded the woman’s belongings, which included her phone, wallet, and backpack. While the other suspects were quickly apprehended, Mitchell managed to evade the authorities.

A surveillance image from the CTA captured Mitchell staring into the camera and defiantly extending his middle finger. This act, along with his prior criminal record, helped authorities identify and locate him. Upon his arrest, Mitchell was found in possession of a loaded handgun, which he claimed to have “found” in a car.

In addition to the Red Line robbery, Mitchell was also charged with another armed robbery that took place in the past. After pleading guilty to all charges, Judge Neera Walsh sentenced him to a total of 16 years for the robberies, three years for the gun offense, and an additional three years for aggravated battery of a peace officer.

With the sentences to be served concurrently, Mitchell will receive a 50% reduction for good behavior, leaving him with approximately 6 years and 4 months to serve. Despite his time behind bars, Mitchell’s penchant for defiant behavior may continue as he navigates the prison system.

As Mitchell begins his prison term, the public can rest assured that his actions have not gone unpunished. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminal behavior and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

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