Shooting on CTA Blue Line train in Forest Park leaves 4 dead, police say

FOREST PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Police said four people were shot on a CTA Blue Line train in Forest Park Monday morning.

Forest Park police said they received a 911 call at approximately 5:27 a.m. about three people shot on a train at the Forest Park CTA Blue Line station at 711 Desplaines Avenue.

Officers arrived at the scene and found four shooting victims. Three of them were pronounced dead at the scene, while the fourth was taken to Loyola University Medical Center, where she later died.

Police said the suspect fled the scene and after obtaining a description from surveillance footage, the suspect was taken into custody on a CTA Pink Line train in Chicago. Police said a gun was found.

Police said the shooting occurred in two different carriages.

Forest Park police and the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force are investigating. Police said it appears to be an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public.

The mayor of Forest Park said police have been responding to the station more often to incidents such as overdoses and police activity.

“I mean, it’s a terrible situation,” said Deputy Chief Christopher Chin. “It’s definitely something you don’t want to wake up to. It’s a Monday morning holiday. Everyone should be enjoying their time off, spending time with their families, it’s Labor Day. The fact that we actually have to be here to deal with this situation is terrible.”

CTA Blue Line trains are running, but Forest Park station remains closed due to the ongoing investigation.

The CTA said in a statement, “While this was an isolated incident, this abhorrent and outrageous act of violence should never have occurred, and certainly not on a public transport train.

“Immediately after this matter was reported, CTA immediately directed resources to assist the Forest Park Police Department in their investigation, including reviewing all available security camera footage, which proved critical to supporting local law enforcement.

“We would like to commend both the Forest Park Police Department for their comprehensive and collaborative efforts to provide information to partner agencies, and the Chicago Police Department whose quick actions led to the apprehension of the suspect in this case.

“CTA will continue to cooperate with local law enforcement as part of the ongoing investigation.”