A 28-year-old man told Chicago police he randomly stabbed a stranger aboard a CTA Blue Line train in the Loop because eye contact “triggers” him, officials said during a court hearing Wednesday. The South Loop resident was identified as the assailant after Chicago police released surveillance images of the suspect to the public following the attack.
Aaron Hawkins faces three counts of aggravated battery in connection with the June 3 assault, in which he allegedly stabbed a 38-year-old man multiple times in the neck and underarm while the train was near the LaSalle Street station. Officials said the victim was seriously injured and required stitches after the attack, which was entirely random.
Hoping to drum up leads, CPD released a set of CTA surveillance images to the media on June 14, a decision that paid off, according to Hawkins’ arrest report. On Tuesday afternoon, Hawkins walked into the Central (1st) District police station in the South Loop and surrendered to face charges. Officials said his mother had recognized him in the CPD bulletin, and Hawkins also identified himself as the man seen on the Blue Line images…