Chicago police request public’s help to find $10,000 violin stolen from Blue Line train

CHICAGO – Chicago police are asking for the public’s help with finding a violin worth $10,000 that was taken during a robbery on a CTA Blue Line train.

Police said the robbery happened at around 9 p.m. Friday on a Blue Line train located in the 100 block of West Lake in downtown Chicago.

The violin was inside a black storage case and has a distinct wood grain finish on the back. The violin does not have a serial number as it was custom-made and is valued at $10,000, according to investigators.

Police described the suspect as a man between 30 and 40 years old who stands 5’8 to 5’11 tall. The suspect was also wearing a black jacket with white striped sleeves, black pants and white gym shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mass Transit Detectives at 312-745-4447 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com and use reference RD#JJ-214845.

Additional tips from CPD:

• Be aware of your surroundings and remember your location, including bus/train car number, route or train line, train car number, and direction of travel.
• Immediately report suspicious activity.
• If confronted by an assailant/offender, remain calm and never pursue.
• Report any distinct clothing/accessories and physical characteristics.
• Press the emergency button and alert the Transit Attendant.
• Call 911 immediately, provide detailed description of location and assailant(s).