Man Charged in Death of 9-Year-Old With Autism Who Fell at Chicago Train station

A Chicago man is facing charges in connection with the death of a 9-year-old boy with autism who fell down stairs during an altercation at a train station.

Michael Korosa, 52, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, the Chicago Police Department said, after he allegedly injured 9-year-old Elijah Flores on Aug. 10.

Elijah was declared brain dead after the incident and later died, according to a GoFundMe started by his family.

Fox 32, the Chicago Sun-Times and CBS Chicago reported, citing prosecutors, that Elijah was getting off a CTA train with a 22-year-old man at the Clinton station in the Loop, when the 22-year-old grabbed money out of the hand of a man and exited the train with Elijah.

The man and his friend, Korosa, reportedly began chasing after the 22-year-old, who had picked up Elijah, who couldn’t keep up, according to the Sun-Times.

Prosecutors, according to the outlets, alleged that Korosa struck the 22-year-old in the back of the head with a cane, causing him and Elijah to fall.

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CBS reported that after falling, the 22-year-old subsequently gave up the money and went back up the stairs and carried Flores onto another train. The outlet reported that another passenger called 911 after the boy stopped moving.

Police said Korosa is also charged with the aggravated battery of a transit employee. It is not immediately clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

“Elijah is a true hero,” wrote a GoFundMe organizer, who started the fundraiser to assist the boy’s mother. “Elijah is giving the ultimate gift by donating his heart, lungs, and other organs to those in desperate need. His selflessness will go on to save and change many lives.”