$25K bond for man accused of punching Metra conductor
CHICAGO (STMW) - Bond was set at $25,000 for a 51-year-old north suburban charged with punching a Metra conductor in the face two weeks ago at Union Station.
George J. Kopsias, 51, was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery to a transit employee, according to a statement from Metra police.
Kopsias, of Buffalo Grove, boarded North Central Service train No. 116 at Union Station downtown about 4:40 p.m. on Dec. 8 and punched the conductor with a closed fist, according to Metra police.
He then got off the train and walked north to the Madison Street exit to the station, pushing a baby stroller with his wife and three children, police said. The conductor followed him up the stairs from the platform to Madison, where Kopsis again “made contact” with the conductor and tried to push him down the stairs.
The conductor was treated for facial injuries at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and released, police said.
Metra detectives recovered video of the suspect entering and exiting the train station and were able to positively identify him as Kopsias.
“The safety of our conductors and of our passengers is our highest priority, and we will vigorously investigate all incidents and seek to prosecute all suspects to the fullest extent of the law,” Metra Police Chief Joseph Perez said in the statement.
Bond for was set at $25,000 Wednesday, according to the Cook County sheriff’s office. Kopsias is next due in court Dec. 29.