Watch CBS News

Good Samaritan Injured In Red Line Battery

(CBS) – He jumped in to try and help a woman getting attacked on the CTA Red Line.

His quick thinking led to an arrest, but he is also paying a price. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reports.

Marvin Smith was on his way to work in December when he saw a disturbance on the train he was riding.

A teenage boy and an adult woman were arguing.

"Everyone started covering their faces, people started coughing," Smith says.

Police say the 16-year-old got physical with the woman, 23, and she pepper-sprayed  him.

When the teen tried running for the exit at North and Clybourn, Smith stepped in. He got pushed into a wall and nearly blacked out.

"I had a brain bleed. I had facial fractures I've had some teeth fractures," Smith tells De Mar.

The teen was caught and charged with two counts of aggravated battery.

Smith, meantime, has a long road to recovery and dental bills are adding up fast. A Go Fund Me page has been started to help with some of the costs.

He says regardless, he doesn't regret getting involved.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.