Police investigating how train severed arm

Police Monday continued investigating how a Metra train could have severed the arm of a 20-year-old man stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center.

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

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

Gallagher said Garrison told police he made a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, picked up his arm and walked a half-mile 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 later was 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. Pace referred all other questions to police.

Doctors were unable to reattach Garrison's arm.

Great Lakes Naval Training Center was closed Monday for Columbus Day. Spokesman Ken Cronk could not obtain any information on Garrison's naval service. Cronk said it is too soon to tell if Garrison will be discharged from the program.

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 didn't produce any leads.

Officers have been able to confirm the incident was not a robbery, and the victim's wallet, jewelry and other personal items are not missing.

Gallagher said he does not feel there is any risk to the public in the area, but officers are investigating all aspects of this case, and extra patrols have been initiated along the bike paths.