Chicago police are searching for teenagers who allegedly attacked and robbed a 63-year-old man on a CTA train

CHICAGO – Chicago police are searching for several young people who allegedly attacked and robbed a senior citizen on the CTA last week.

The incident occurred on July 8 on an Orange Line train. According to police, the group of at least 10 young people approached the male victim, got into a physical altercation with him and then forcibly took his debit card.

The suspects were described as black men and women between the ages of 14 and 22.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Chicago Police Department transit investigators at 312-745-4447. Anonymous tips can be sent to CPDtip.com.

CTA Attack Suspects | CPD

A 63-year-old man was attacked by a group of more than a dozen teenagers on the Orange Line in downtown Chicago on Monday night, he told FOX 32.

The victim, Michael Manning, who has lived in Chicago his entire life, said he was relaxing after a 12-hour workday and was looking forward to getting home when the group targeted him.

“It was surreal. I think I was just so shocked. I think I was numb,” Manning said.

He reported that it was after 11 p.m. when the group boarded the train at the LaSalle/Van Buren stop.

“I knew right away that this wasn’t going to end well, no matter what I said or did,” Manning said. “I stood up, I’m 6’4″, and I guess that wasn’t a good move because I immediately got a punch to the back of the head that sent me to the front of the huddle. They said, ‘Oh, you’re trying to start something with us!’ Then it was like I was literally running through a gauntlet of fists.”

Manning said the group consisted of more than a dozen boys and girls.

“They just kept beating me and I knew I had to get out of the car or I would die,” he explained.

One stop later, he managed to get off the train in Quincy, but the group followed him and continued the attack, leaving him covered in blood on the platform and stealing only a few of his belongings before jumping back on the train.

Manning said it could have been much worse and hopes future victims will be able to escape like he did.

“I don’t understand how this kind of lawlessness and wanton disrespect can occur, how basic humanity can be disregarded. And there is no system of checks and balances anywhere,” Manning said.

He added that he would not be taking the train any time soon, but that he was working with Chicago police, who were trying to track down footage of the attackers. The CTA is also investigating the incident.