A 23-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a disabled passenger on Chicago’s Red Line before causing chaos during his court appearance
A Chicago-area man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly attacking a disabled woman on a CTA Red Line train in the early morning hours of Dec. 11. Rasheed Griffin, 23, of Calumet City, was arrested the same day and charged with multiple felonies including aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated battery and aggravated battery of a person with a disability.
Chicago police responded to a call just after 2:55 a.m. on the 200 block of South State Street in the Loop, the city’s downtown district. According to prosecutors, Griffin was riding in the same train car as the wheelchair-bound woman when they began conversing during the journey.
Alleged attack unfolds on Red Line
The interaction allegedly turned violent when Griffin wrapped his legs around the victim’s wheelchair and kissed her without consent, according to charges filed by prosecutors. He is accused of groping the woman while making unwanted sexual advances as she remained confined to her mobility device.
Prosecutors claim Griffin randomly targeted the disabled woman, who was a complete stranger to him. He allegedly forcibly wheeled her out of the elevator at the Jackson train stop before knocking her down in a hallway. The assault continued until the victim’s screams for help attracted attention from a CTA ticket agent who intervened to stop the attack.
The woman’s disability made her particularly vulnerable to the alleged assault, as her mobility limitations prevented her from easily escaping or defending herself. The charges reflect the severity of targeting someone with physical disabilities who cannot readily flee dangerous situations.
Arrest happens within hours
Griffin was taken into custody later that same day on the 100 block of West Lake Street, according to Fox 32 Chicago. The quick arrest came after the victim provided information to responding officers and the CTA ticket agent who witnessed part of the incident could identify the suspect.
The Chicago Police Department processed Griffin on three felony charges that carry substantial prison sentences if convicted. Aggravated criminal sexual assault represents the most serious charge, reflecting the violent nature of the alleged attack and the victim’s vulnerable status as a disabled person.
Rasheed Griffin, 23, has been charged with sexually assaulting a 35-year-old wheelchair-bound woman on CTA property. He was ordered to remain detained after becoming agitated and attempting to approach the bench in court today.
FULL STORY: pic.twitter.com/mfPBvuq2Yn
— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) December 14, 2025
Court appearance descends into chaos
Griffin’s initial hearing took an unusual turn when he repeatedly disrupted court proceedings. According to WGN 9, he interrupted the judge multiple times and allegedly accused the judicial officer of lying during the hearing. His attorney instructed him to remain silent, but Griffin reportedly grew increasingly agitated.
The situation escalated when Griffin allegedly attempted to approach the bench despite warnings to stay seated. Court deputies were forced to physically remove him from the courtroom after he refused to comply with orders to control his behavior. The outburst added another concerning element to an already serious case.
The judge cited three factors when ordering Griffin detained pending trial. His criminal history, the courtroom behavior displayed during the hearing, and the gravity of the charges against him all contributed to the decision to keep him in custody. His next scheduled court appearance is set for Dec. 18.
Pattern of CTA violence emerges
This alleged attack represents the latest in a series of violent incidents on Chicago’s public transportation system. Just weeks earlier, another disturbing case unfolded on a CTA train when Lawrence Reed, 50, allegedly attacked a female passenger with fire.
On Nov. 17, Reed allegedly approached his victim, removed the cap from a bottle of liquid and poured the contents over her head and body. Prosecutors claim he then ignited the bottle with a lighter before using the burning container to set the woman on fire. She was immediately engulfed in flames but survived her injuries.
Reed faces federal charges of committing a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. During his Nov. 29 hearing, he allegedly shouted to the judge that he was guilty of the charges against him.
Safety concerns on public transit
These incidents have raised questions about security measures on Chicago’s CTA system, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when fewer passengers and staff are present. The alleged attack on the wheelchair-bound woman occurred during a time when trains typically carry fewer riders and stations have reduced personnel.
Transit advocates note that vulnerable populations including elderly riders, people with disabilities and women traveling alone face heightened risks during off-peak hours. The presence of the ticket agent who intervened in this case proved crucial in stopping the alleged assault from continuing.
The CTA has not issued specific statements about either incident or announced any changes to security protocols in response to the recent allegations. Transit police continue investigating both cases as they move through the criminal justice system.
Legal process moves forward
Griffin remains in custody as his case proceeds through Cook County courts. The charges he faces carry significant potential sentences if prosecutors secure convictions. Aggravated criminal sexual assault alone can result in decades of imprisonment under Illinois law.
His courtroom behavior during the initial hearing may influence how the judge handles future proceedings. Defendants who disrupt court sessions risk additional consequences including contempt charges or restrictions on their ability to appear in person for hearings.
The victim’s status as a disabled person who uses a wheelchair adds aggravating factors to the charges that could increase potential sentences. Illinois law recognizes that crimes targeting people with disabilities deserve enhanced penalties due to the victims’ particular vulnerability.
