Train hits pedestrian in downtown Arlington Heights

A 31-year-old Arlington Heights man is in critical condition after being struck by a freight train Thursday morning at Arlington Heights Road and Northwest Highway, police said.

Michael J. Cain, of Arlington Heights, attempted to cross the tracks while the gates were down at 10:47 p.m.

An eastbound Metra train had pulled away from the station, apparently blocking his view of the westbound freight train, police said.

The engineer of the freight train saw the man and attempted to brake while sounding the horn, police said.

Cain was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge in critical condition with trauma to his head and torso but is expected to survive, said Arlington Heights Cmdr. Michael Miljan.

Traffic in the area was already slowed because of a memorial motorcade honoring Marine Lance Cpl. James Stack.

The 20-year-old Stack died on Nov. 10 while deployed in Afghanistan.