Chicago Man Arrested After Officers Discover Machete, Knife on Transit Train

A 31-year-old Chicago resident faces weapons charges following his arrest on a CTA Green Line train last month. Ronald Reed was taken into custody by Cook County sheriff’s deputies on July 11 after staff members observed him consuming an open alcoholic beverage aboard the northbound train near the Austin station.

During a subsequent search, authorities uncovered two bladed weapons on Reed’s person. Officers recovered an 18-inch machete secured in a sling across his back, along with a 5-inch serrated knife stored in a belt holster, according to law enforcement officials.

Bodycamera recordings captured an exchange between Reed and a deputy at the station, in which Reed voluntarily disclosed the location of the machete before the officer conducted a full search of his belongings.

Reed, a West Garfield Park resident, was booked on one felony count of unlawful weapon possession and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. A Cook County judge determined that he should remain incarcerated pending his trial proceedings.

His case was scheduled for continued proceedings on July 31.