W. Chicago woman pleads to spraying Metra conductor with dog repellent

A West Chicago woman who said she felt threatened when she sprayed dog repellent on a Metra conductor who asked to see her train ticket pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Latoya Moore, 27, of the 600 block of West Forest Avenue, was sentenced to 18 months court supervision for misdemeanor battery. She also must serve 30 days on work detail for the DuPage County sheriff's office.

The altercation occurred about 9 a.m. Nov. 14 after Moore got off a Metra train at the College Avenue station in Wheaton.

Authorities said she sprayed dog repellent in the eyes of a Metra conductor after the victim and two other conductors approached and asked for her ticket.

The conductors held Moore until police arrived. No injuries were reported.

It turned out Moore had a 10-ride pass in her purse, prosecutors said. She told police she was surrounded and felt intimidated when she doused one of the conductors.

“I did feel threatened,” Moore said outside of court Tuesday, declining to elaborate or comment further.

In exchange for her plea, prosecutors dismissed more serious felony charges of theft and aggravated battery. Judge Robert Kleeman accepted the agreement.

Moore had no prior criminal history, Assistant Public Defender Kristen Nevdal said.