26-Jul-17 – A box cutter, wielded by a gang member at a Subway restaurant in River North, nicked the throat of a customer earlier this month. The man was caught and arrested when a witness to the attack followed him to a CTA station in the Loop.

The unidentified victim, a 21-year-old man, was ordering food at the Subway at Marina City at about 9:45 p.m. on June 3 when 46-year-old Charles Ambrose (left) entered the restaurant. According to police, Ambrose is a member of the Gangster Disciples, a criminal gang founded in Chicago.

Police say Ambrose argued with the victim and at least two other people who were in the restaurant. As the confrontation escalated, Ambrose produced a box cutter. The victim picked up a chair and used it to keep Ambrose away from him. He tried to avoid being cut but was nicked on his throat, causing minor injury.

Ambrose then left the restaurant and ran south on State Street, followed by a 20-year-old man who witnessed the attack, recorded it on his smartphone, and called 911. He followed Ambrose about two blocks to the CTA station at State & Lake, then flagged down a police officer, who arrested Ambrose.

(Right) Interior of Subway restaurant at Marina City. (Click on image to view larger version.)

While searching Ambrose, police found cocaine on him with a street value of $50. He was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a controlled substance. He was in court on July 11.

The victim declined medical treatment. He later went to the State & Lake CTA station and identified Ambrose as the man who attacked him.

The witness and a 21-year-old woman who worked at the restaurant were not injured. The incident was also captured by the restaurant’s security cameras.