Metra train severs sailor's arm

A Metra train severed the arm of a 20-year-old man stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center.

Brandon M. Garrison, of Red Bluff, Calf., told police he was walking on the bike path, about 30-feet from the train tracks around 7:30 p.m. Sunday when he was attacked by two men.

He was allegedly choked from behind, became unconscious and woke up on Metra's Union Pacific North tracks with his right arm severed, said Lake Bluff Police Chief William Gallagher.

Gallagher said Garrison told police he made a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, picked up his arm and walked a half mile back to the front gate of the naval station.

Police, however, are skeptical of Garrison's story.

"The physical evidence does not support that scenario," Gallagher said. "The reality is we have not had a chance to interview him yet. What we are doing right now is proceeding as though the initial report is accurate."

Great Lakes medics treated Garrison, who was later transferred by helicopter to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

"He is doing as well as can be expected," said Garrison's mother, Lisa Pace, of Red Bluff, Calif.

Doctors were unable to reattach Garrison's arm.

Metra spokesman Patrick Waldron said the police investigation resulted in two train delays late Sunday lasting 68 and 80 minutes.

Gallagher said police interviewed some people who were in the vicinity of the incident Sunday night, but it didn't produce any leads.

"We are hoping to talk to (Garrison) soon," Gallagher said. "Right now we will continue collecting evidence."