Crime
4 people found shot dead on a Chicago Transit Authority train in Forest Park
A horrific incident unfolded on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line early Monday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of four people.
Forest Park Police received a distressing 911 call just before 5:30 a.m., reporting multiple gunshot victims aboard a train at the Forest Park station. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered the bodies of three victims. A fourth victim was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood but was later pronounced dead.
The alleged gunman was not present at the scene when police arrived, having successfully escaped. However, utilizing surveillance footage, authorities were able to identify a suspect.
Chicago police subsequently apprehended a person matching the suspect’s description on a CTA Pink Line train. A firearm was recovered during the arrest, although it has not been confirmed whether it is the weapon used in the killings.
Due to the ongoing police investigation, Blue Line service between Forest Park and Austin remained suspended as of 9:45 a.m.
“The CTA is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on a Blue Line train early this morning. This was an isolated event, but a heinous and egregious act of violence that should never happen on public transportation. We immediately deployed resources to assist the Forest Park Police Department in their investigation, including reviewing all possible security camera footage. This footage proved vital in aiding law enforcement. We commend both the Forest Park Police Department for their thorough investigation and collaboration, and the Chicago Police Department for their swift response that led to the apprehension of a suspect. The CTA will continue to work closely with local law enforcement as the investigation progresses.”
We are actively investigating this matter and appreciate the collaboration with the Chicago Police Department. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Forest Park Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (708)366-2425 or email atย Detectives@ForestPark.net.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.