Cory Patterson Convicted for Pushing Chef onto CTA Blue Line Tracks
A man named Cory Patterson has been convicted for pushing a Chicago chef onto the CTA Blue Line tracks in a violent incident. The altercation occurred as the chef was returning home from work in November 2022.
Cory Patterson’s Conviction Details
Patterson entered a guilty plea to aggravated battery charges in a Chicago court. The incident took place at the Milwaukee and Division stop in Wicker Park, a bustling area of the city.
Incident Overview
- Date: November 2022
- Victim: Jose Duran, chef at Schwa restaurant
- Location: Milwaukee and Division CTA station
- Charges: Aggravated battery
As reported by Duran, he was waiting for his train when he suddenly heard someone shout “Hey!” before he was forcefully pushed onto the tracks. Fortunately, he narrowly avoided the electrified third rail.
Impact on the Victim
Following the attack, Duran suffered serious injuries, including a jaw that had to be wired shut for over a month. Bystanders acted quickly to help him out of danger, and law enforcement apprehended Patterson amid the chaos. During the arrest, Patterson also injured an officer by breaking their nose.
Sentencing and Previous Charges
After pleading guilty, Cory Patterson was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison. He will receive credit for nearly three years already served while awaiting trial. Initially facing a more severe charge of attempted murder, this charge was ultimately dropped.
The conviction serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by commuters in urban areas and highlights the swift actions taken by onlookers and the police in crisis situations.