A Chicago train became a scene of unimaginable horror this week when a woman was deliberately set ablaze by a man with a deeply troubled past. The attack, occurring on a Blue Line train Monday evening, has left the victim hospitalized with devastating injuries and sparked a federal terrorism investigation.
Lawrence Reed, 50, is accused of dousing the 26-year-old woman with a flammable liquid before igniting her. Witnesses reported Reed repeatedly screamed obscenities as the victim desperately tried to extinguish the flames engulfing her body. The chilling scene unfolded as the train traveled through the city’s Loop.
Brave passengers intervened, working to put out the fire and provide assistance until emergency responders arrived. Police were called to the Clark/Lake station shortly before 9:30 p.m., finding the victim suffering from severe burns to her face and body. Evidence recovered from the train included a partially melted bottle and a lighter.
Reed now faces federal terrorism charges for the attack on the mass transit system. Court documents detail the horrific nature of the assault and the deliberate intent behind it. The victim remains in critical condition, battling for her life against the extensive burns she sustained.
This incident is not an isolated one. Records reveal a staggering history of arrests for Reed, totaling 49 prior encounters with law enforcement. His criminal record dates back years, encompassing a wide range of offenses.
Among the charges are numerous traffic violations, including driving with a revoked license and operating an uninsured vehicle. He’s also been arrested for battery, criminal trespass, and even aggravated arson in 2020 – a charge that foreshadowed the terrifying events on the train.
The pattern of arrests paints a disturbing picture of escalating behavior. From minor offenses like jaywalking to more serious charges like battery and arson, Reed’s history demonstrates a repeated disregard for the law and the safety of others. Thirteen arrests alone occurred since 2017.
The investigation is now focused on understanding the motive behind this brutal attack and determining how a man with such an extensive criminal history was able to commit such a heinous act. The city is left reeling, grappling with the shock and outrage of this senseless violence.
