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CATS bus driver hit by stray bullet, CMPD says

Police said two other vehicles were engaged in some kind of conflict that did not involve the bus.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A bus driver with the Charlotte-Area Transit System is hospitalized after being hit by a stray bullet in north Charlotte Friday afternoon, according to police. 

Medic first confirmed to WCNC Charlotte around 4 p.m. that paramedics found a victim with a gunshot wound at the intersection of English Drive and Lasalle Street, which is near West Charlotte High School. The patient was taken from the scene with life-threatening injuries.

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Shortly after 5 p.m., the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed the victim was the bus driver. CMPD said a conflict between two other vehicles nearby led to gunfire and the initial investigation revealed the bullet fired into the bus was a stray one from that incident.

CMPD did not say if any arrests had been made.

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A representative for CATS confirmed the bus was running along Route 3 when the shooting happened. The driver, per the spokesperson, is in stable condition and receiving necessary medical care. Further, CATS shared that CMPD's investigation indicates this was an isolated incident, with the bus and those on board not intended targets.

"We are deeply shaken by today's incident. It is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in our society. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of transit operators and passengers. We are committed to working with community leaders and law enforcement to address these challenges. Our thoughts are with the injured operator and their family. Such incidents underscore the need for a collective effort to create safer communities for everyone," said interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle in a statement.

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