CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While a CATS bus driver is still recovering after being shot by a stray bullet, his congregation is recognizing the bus operator and calling his survival a miracle.
The Throne Of Grace Ministries in East Charlotte held a special service for Zavier Austin who was shot while driving a CATS bus earlier this month.
Several community supporters were in attendance, including Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden who also spoke at the service. Sheriff McFadden said that spirits were high during service. His concern focuses on how to better protect and manage public transportation buses during emergencies.
“We just come to celebrate it and support him. And let him know he has support throughout the year, and the coming months of his recovery,” McFadden said.
LaWana Mayfield, a Charlotte city council member, echoed the call for more action in keeping those behind the wheel safe from violence.
Mayfield says a lot of progress has been made with transportation with more funding and environmentally friendly buses but assures that more work is needed. She said,
“Drivers need to be protected if drivers are assaulted by passengers that may have mental health issues,” said Mayfield. “For me it comes down to the conversation of political will versus political ability. We have the ability to make some instantaneous changes that are going to protect our drivers as well as our riders."
As investigators continue to dig into who fired a bullet into the bus, McFadden is hopeful to see change and prevent something like this from happening again.
“That call has to happen and it will save lives," McFadden said about changes being made. "If we all get involved instead of sitting at home, Monday morning quarterback what somebody else is doing and getting involved. That is the key to success.”