A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)
A Chicago man is facing an attempted murder charge after he allegedly kicked a woman onto CTA train tracks as an oncoming train was approaching.
Ashley Goss, 39, was arrested Monday just moments after an incident inside the Chicago Red Line station on the Near North Side. He was ordered held without bail during a hearing Wednesday afternoon.
According to Cook County prosecutors, Goss was seen on surveillance video entering the Red Line station Tuesday. A Chicago police bulletin announcing Goss’ arrest said the incident occurred after 10 p.m. Tuesday, but video of the incident obtained by CWBChicago shows that it occurred just after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Goss allegedly walked up behind a 23-year-old woman and then allegedly kicked her in the back, which caused her to fall forward onto the tracks as a train approached.
The woman landed headfirst and nearly touched the electrified third rail, prosecutors said, but was able to move into an area between the two sets of tracks to avoid being struck by the oncoming train. She was hospitalized with a laceration to her forehead as well as some bruising and swelling.
Goss then allegedly left the station and walked to a nearby Dunkin Donuts, then to a Taco Bell, where he was arrested by police.
Prosecutors said the entire incident and Goss’ path from the CTA station were captured on video. He was also seen wearing distinctive yellow socks when he was arrested, which matched ones seen on video as he allegedly kicked the woman, according to prosecutors.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Goss was referred to under the name “Donald Jackson” and prosecutors said he has given multiple aliases to authorities in the past. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed Goss and Jackson are the same person.
Goss is the second person to be charged with attempted murder in recent weeks for pushing someone onto CTA tracks. Late last month, 33-year-old Cory Patterson allegedly pushed a man onto the Blue Line tracks at Division. That victim also survived, but suffered significant injuries, including a broken nose, broken eye socket, two additional facial fractures and a broken jaw, according to prosecutors.
Goss is due back in court on Dec. 28.
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
