Man Charged in $10K Violin CTA Robbery

Timothy Johnson, 39, has been charged with felony robbery and multiple misdemeanors after allegedly stealing a custom-made $10,000 violin from 22-year-old Cyrus Spurlock on a CTA Blue Line train in downtown Chicago. The theft took place around 9 p.m. at the Clark and Lake station, where Johnson reportedly snatched the violin from Spurlock's lap. Although police have recovered the black storage case, the handcrafted violin—made by Spurlock's older brother and of deep sentimental value—remains missing. Johnson was arrested Wednesday after being identified and is scheduled to appear in court. Spurlock is offering a cash reward for the violin's return, emphasizing its irreplaceable significance to his music career. Police continue to investigate and hope Johnson will provide information on the instrument's whereabouts.