Chicago man accused in CTA Blue Line arson attack pleads not guilty

Alleged CTA burning attack suspect pleads not guilty

50-year-old Lawrence Reed has pleaded not guilty to terrorism and arson charges. He's accused of setting a CTA passenger on fire in mid-November. 

CHICAGO - A Chicago man who allegedly lit a woman on fire on the CTA Blue Line pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Friday. 

What we know:

On Thursday, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed was indicted on terrorism and arson charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The charges have a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

Reed was initially charged with terrorism last month after he allegedly set a 26-year-old woman on fire while aboard a CTA Blue Line train near Clark/Lake station on Nov. 17. 

According to investigators and court documents, Reed bought gasoline about 20 minutes before the attack, then boarded the train and poured it over the woman. She tried to escape, but he ignited her.

The victim suffered life-threatening burns and remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Federal prosecutors said the attack was captured on CTA surveillance video showing Reed’s face throughout the incident.

Reed was also identified as the individual who allegedly set fire to Chicago's City Hall, located at 121 N. LaSalle Street on Nov. 14. 

He has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2017, which includes at least 72 arrests and about 15 convictions, including several for arson, criminal damage to government property, and drug trafficking.

Reed was arrested by police on Nov. 18 and remains in federal custody without bond. 

What's next:

Reed is due back in court next month for a status hearing.