56-year-old man beaten to death at Clark/Lake CTA stop in the Loop, police say

CHICAGO — A 56-year-old man was beaten to death at the Clark/Lake CTA stop in the Loop late Saturday night, according to Chicago police.

Police say the victim was in a fight with an unknown male offender just before 10:30 p.m. on the CTA platform in the 100 block of West Lake Street. The victim sustained trauma to the head and was found unresponsive by the Chicago Fire Department, according to police.

He was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say the offender was placed in custody and charges are pending.

A woman named Sonia, who did not want to disclose her last name, says she used to work for CTA and crime has long been an issue.

“We would try our best to protect our people but it happens here in the city of Chicago,” she said.

Marcus Russell is also a regular rider. He says safety can depend on which train or line you’re on but adds he personally hasn’t had any major problems.

“The Red or Blue Line is hectic but for the most part, the Green is pretty safe,” he said. “I’m street savvy, I don’t have problems on the train but I’ve heard of other people having problems.”

WGN-TV took a look at some of the city data, which shows in the first six months of 2025, there have been more than 2,200 CTA-related crimes.

Many of those incidents are things like theft, damage to CTA property and drug possession but there are also at least 238 reported assaults, 642 battery cases, 259 robberies and 29 sex offences.

“Now being a passenger is scary. My advice is to sit in the front, be in the front that way you can knock and get in contact with the conductor. They have access to police,” Sonia said.

CTA issued the following statement regarding the incident:

“CTA is working in close coordination with CPD to support their investigation, including reviewing and providing any relevant security camera footage. Any additional details regarding this matter will need to be provided by CPD.”