In what sounds like the precursor to an assault and battery suit, Rogers Park resident Daniel Hauff recounted the moments leading up to a beating on the CTA Red Line last Sunday.
Hauff was treated in area hospital and released without serious injuries, but told reporters that the conductor left the scene too early and claims police should have been called sooner.
It all started at about 3 a.m. near the Argyle stop when Hauff said he tried to calm two men who were having a dispute aboard the train he was riding on.
One of the disputants, who was quickly joined by two other riders, allegedly yelled anti-gay slurs at Hauff.
The Tribune reports Hauff pressed the emergency intercom when things started turning ugly and the train's conductor arrived.
But Hauff says the conductor didn't stay long enough and unreasonably delayed calling the police.
A CTA spokeswoman has denied this: "the operator appropriately and promptly called the police," she said.
Hauff told the Tribune as soon as the conductor left the carriage and the train started moving again, his assailants attacked him. The only way he was able to get them to stop was to wipe blood on one of them and (falsely) claim he was HIV-positive.
The three attackers were later arrested on Argyle Street for battery and "making disparaging comments."
While the defendants likely already have contacted Chicago criminal defense attorneys, Hauff has some time to ponder his next move and potentially call a personal injury lawyer.
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