Tire tracks and a knocked over street post are among the few visible signs left at the spot where a CTA bus shooting happened on the South Side.
The shooting occurred as the bus was traveling in the 3400-block of State Street around 12:14 a.m. on Monday, in the Bronzeville neighborhood.
An Altercation Turns Deadly…
An altercation broke out onboard the #29 State Street bus, traveling southbound near 34th street. During the conflict, a passenger pulled a gun and fired at another individual. A man in his late 20s was shot in the chest and was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Bus Driver’s Condition
The CTA driver was also shot in the right shoulder and taken to the hospital. According to Keith Hill, President of ATU Local 241, the bus driver was undergoing surgery but was expected to recover.
Call for Better Security
Keith Hill expressed concerns about employee safety: “We don’t come to work to be assaulted, shot at,” Hill said. “The sad part is my membership don’t feel safe at work. We want our own police department. No one can secure us better than us.”
Shooter on the Run
The shooter fled on foot after the bus crashed into a curb, according to police. An investigation is ongoing.
Chicago Transportation Authority Speaks Out…
Dorval R. Carter, President of the Chicago Transportation Authority, condemned the violence: “It is absolutely reprehensible that a CTA bus operator was injured due to a firearm being discharged on board a southbound #29 State Street bus earlier this morning, following a disturbance between two parties. No one should experience this kind of violence, especially while merely performing their duties serving the public as a bus driver. Regardless of circumstances, the CTA has zero tolerance for gun violence and will work with law enforcement officials to aggressively pursue upgraded charges against those found responsible for these actions.”
Ongoing Investigation…
Police and CTA are reviewing surveillance footage. So far, no one is in custody. CPD Area One Detectives are leading the homicide investigation.
