Overview
- Pedro Villarreal, 34, was arrested in Cicero and charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and weapons offenses in the Dec. 23 Pink Line shooting.
- He is accused of shooting two men during an early-morning confrontation near Washington/Wells; a 44-year-old identified as Raymond S. Harrison Jr. died and a 23-year-old was wounded.
- Police say an argument began with Villarreal holding a knife, one victim produced a gun, and Villarreal gained control of the firearm and opened fire; a detention hearing was set for Monday.
- Chicago police are also investigating four CTA stabbings in five days, including a fatal attack on a 37-year-old at Clark/Lake and a separate stabbing of a 34-year-old at the 69th Street Red Line station; no arrests were announced in those cases.
- Federal officials have given the CTA until March 19 to strengthen its security plan or risk up to $50 million in funding cuts after deeming recent safety measures insufficient.