A man has been sentenced to ten years in prison for robbing individuals on the Red Line while armed with large kitchen knives stolen from a downtown Target.
Charles Lawson, 29, has pled guilty to armed robbery in connection with the December 2022 holdups. Prosecutors claim Lawson took chef’s knives from Target at 1 South State Street before taking the Red Line at 10:45 a.m. After sitting next to another passenger, Lawson took out two knives, one for each hand, and began cutting on a Plexiglas partition.
Then Lawson allegedly lifted the blades behind two women and said, “Do you want to die today?”
“Nobody wants to die today,” a man on the train stated, rising up.
Lawson focused his attention on that man and followed him into another train car. He allegedly demanded the victim’s belongings while wielding two knives. During the heist, Lawson used a third knife to steal the victim’s wallet, backpack, phone, and other belongings, according to prosecutors.
Lawson exited the train at the next station. Witnesses saw police close and guided them to Lawson, who allegedly crashed into a high-rise in the 500 block of North Michigan Avenue.
Chicago police blocked off the building and conducted a search, eventually discovering Lawson carrying a huge knife on the 24th floor. Two other knives, as well as the victim’s stolen belongings, were recovered.
Judge Michael Hood sentenced Lawson to ten years. With good behavior, the term will be reduced by half. Lawson also received credit for the 1,011 days he spent in the county jail awaiting trial. His scheduled parole date is December 1, 2027.
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