Chicago police arrested two men following a late-night robbery on a CTA train.
The victim is a 16-year-old male who was riding the train near the 200 block of West Garfield Boulevard.
Authorities say the offenders used force to take the teenager’s personal property.
The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Police identified the first suspect as 23-year-old Shannon Stephens of the 5400 block of West Cortland Street.
Stephens faces a felony count of robbery and two misdemeanor counts for resisting a peace officer.
Records show Stephens also had an outstanding warrant at the time of his arrest.
The second suspect is 20-year-old Markell Harper, hailing from Gary, Indiana.
Harper faces one felony count of robbery for his alleged role in the attack.
Officers caught Stephens in the 100 block of West 33rd Street just minutes after the crime.
Police apprehended Harper three minutes later in the 100 block of West 35th Street.
Both men are scheduled for a detention hearing today at the 2600 South California courthouse.
The 16-year-old victim was targeted in the city’s 9th District.
Detectives are currently reviewing transit surveillance footage to gather more evidence.
No injuries to the teenager were reported by officials at the scene.
Recent History
The Garfield Red Line station has seen a rise in police activity over the last year.
Commuters in the Englewood and Washington Park areas have expressed growing concerns over transit safety.
This robbery follows a pattern of “snatch and grab” crimes targeting young passengers late at night.
Last month, a similar incident occurred just two blocks away involving a group of unidentified offenders.
Community leaders have called for increased patrols on the South Side transit corridors to protect students.
The Chicago Police Department has since increased its presence at major hubs like Garfield and 35th Street.
Despite these efforts, transit crime remains a top priority for local law enforcement and city officials.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert while using the CTA during late-night hours.
