Woman Set on Fire on Chicago Train, Suspect Arrested

A 26-year-old woman from Indiana was severely burned after a man doused her with gasoline and set her on fire aboard a Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train on November 17, authorities said. The attack occurred around 9:25 p.m. near the Clark and Lake station in downtown Chicago, leaving the victim, identified as Bethany MaGee, with burns covering approximately 60 percent of her body.

Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing Lawrence Reed, 50, approaching MaGee as she sat alone with her back to him. According to federal court records, Reed poured a liquid from a bottle over her and then chased her through the train car after she attempted to flee. He ignited the liquid using a lighted bottle, engulfing her in flames. MaGee tried to extinguish the fire by rolling on the floor of the train, but the blaze continued as the train stopped at the station. She exited the car while still burning and collapsed on the platform, where two bystanders helped put out the flames, U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros said during a press conference.

Emergency responders transported MaGee to Stroger Hospital's burn unit, where she underwent reconstructive surgery earlier this week. Medical...