Man Who Set Fire To CTA Train Caused $10K In Damage: Prosecutors

CHICAGO, IL — A Horner Park neighborhood man accused of dousing a fellow CTA Red Line passenger with pain thinner before lighting himself and the train he was riding on fire was ordered held without bail Saturday. David M. Ferguson, 28, of the 2900 block of West Cullom Avenue, was charged with aggravated arson, aggravated battery to a police officer and aggravated battery stemming from Thursday's incident, which caused $10,000 worth of fire damage and burned a Chicago police officer's shoe, the report added.

Ferguson is still in the hospital with third-degree burns from the fire, and the train's conductor suffered smoke inhalation, the report stated. A police officer also hurt his right knee and shoulder, although the department said those injuries weren't caused by the fire, the report added.

According to prosecutors, the incident happened around 5:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, as the Red Line train Ferguson was riding neared Argyle Avenue Station, the report stated. In the train car, he allegedly used a water bottle to spray a 26-year-old woman sitting across from him with pain thinner, the report added.

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As the train reached the station, Ferguson sprayed his clothes with the liquid, as well as the car, and then threatened to kill himself, the report stated. At the station, police tried to stop Ferguson from igniting the paint thinner, but a fire started as they scuffled, the report added.

The 26-year-old woman who was doused with the liquid was not hurt in the incident.

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David M. Ferguson, 28 (Photo via Cook County Sheriff's Office)