Woman pushed onto Red Line tracks in “random attack,” cops say; charges filed

Felony charges have been filed against a woman who allegedly pushed a random CTA passenger onto the Chicago-State Red Line tracks Tuesday afternoon. The alleged victim is doing fine.

Janis Mayes | CPD

Police said Janis Mayes, 56, walked up behind the 31-year-old victim and pushed her onto the tracks at 1:10 p.m. Other CTA customers helped the woman get back on the usually busy platform at 800 North State. Mayes then fled from the station, according to a police spokesperson.

Officers searched the area and took Mayes into custody about two blocks away.

The victim reportedly identified Mayes as the attacker and the entire incident was captured by CTA surveillance cameras.

Mayes allegedly admitted to pushing the woman onto the tracks and told officers that she did not know the victim.

“The incident was deemed random,” the CPD spokesperson said.

An ambulance crew treated the victim at the scene for an injured ankle.

Prosecutors charged Mayes with felony aggravated battery in a public place. A judge set her bail at $5,000.

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CWBChicago was created in 2013 by five residents of Wrigleyville and Boystown who had grown disheartened with inaccurate information that was being provided at local Community Policing (CAPS) meetings. Our coverage area has expanded since then to cover Lincoln Park, River North, The Loop, Uptown, and other North Side Areas. But our mission remains unchanged: To provide original public safety reporting with better context and greater detail than mainstream media outlets. Our editorial email address is news@cwbchicago.com