REVEALED: Chicago Man who Set Woman Ablaze on Chicago Train Had 72 Prior Arrests, Prosecutors Say – Not 49 as Previously Reported (VIDEO)
50-year-old Lawrence Reed arrested at least 72 times before lighting woman on fire on Chicago train
More details have come out about the suspect in the horrifying Chicago train attack: Lawrence Reed, 50, has reportedly been arrested at least 72 times over the past 32 years.
Prosecutors revealed during a recent court hearing that Reed’s long criminal history includes more than 60 cases since 1993, ranging from traffic offenses and trespassing to violent crimes such as assault and arson.
According to the federal complaint, Reed bought gasoline at a gas station roughly 20 minutes before the attack, poured it out of a plastic bottle onto a 26-year-old woman aboard a Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train, then lit her on fire. Surveillance video reportedly caught him chasing her through the train car before igniting the bottle a second time.
The woman managed to exit the train at the Clark/Lake station and was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
After the attack, Reed was arrested the next morning. Authorities say he was wearing the same clothes seen in the surveillance footage and had burns on his right hand. During his first court appearance, he shouted “I plead guilty!” repeatedly and said he wanted to represent himself.
Federal prosecutors have charged him with committing a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
At a detention hearing, prosecutors argued that Reed poses a “clear danger” to the community, noting that his offenses have become more serious over time. Reed, representing himself, agreed to be held in custody pending trial, saying he doesn’t feel safe in society.
Judge Laura McNally has also recommended a psychological evaluation after Reed’s disruptive behavior in court.
From the victim’s family, a statement read:
“We thank everyone for their prayers and well-wishes. We are deeply grateful to the burn team at Stroger Hospital for their care. We ask for privacy right now as she recovers.”
Federal authorities have emphasized the dangerous pattern in Reed’s past and expressed frustration that someone with his record was out on the streets when this happened.
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