CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (Warning: Story contains graphic details or images)
A bus driver with the Charlotte-Area Transit System was hospitalized after being hit by a stray bullet while operating a bus in December 2023.
A video recently obtained by WCNC Charlotte shows a new perspective on what happened as the driver was shot by a stray bullet.
The video shows a passenger rushing to help the driver after he yelled, "help, I've been shot."
Medic first confirmed to WCNC Charlotte around 4 p.m. on Dec. 22 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.
About an hour later, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed the victim was a bus driver. A representative for CATS confirmed the bus was running along Route 3 when the shooting happened.
Attorney Ken Harris who represents the bus driver, Zavier Austin said he was hit just below the neck and has a long road to recovery but called him a fighter. Meanwhile, his attorney said he continues to push for better protection for drivers.
Harris said he is concerned about the safety of bus drivers whose lives are put at risk while doing their job.
“This is the third time I had to represent a bus driver who was shot by somebody outside of the bus, so this is an issue that is reoccurring,” Harris said.
Harris also represents a former CATS bus driver who was involved in a shootout last year after a passenger pulled a gun out on him, following an argument.
“We do not want any more of these incidents to happen. And just one bus driver being shot is one too many.”
Harris is now calling for CATS to take action.
“We’ve asked that we start exploring bulletproof glass for the drivers,” he said. “We have asked this for many years now.”
He also wants to see an enhanced security presence and passenger education program in place.
For the second time in just two weeks, WCNC Charlotte has brought these concerns to NAACP Charlotte Chapter President Corine Mack. With not enough being done to find a solution she said bus drivers being hurt on the job could continue to be a troubling trend we see.
“I would like to see Charlotte Mecklenburg take this more seriously to safeguard their bus drivers,” Mack said. “They have a responsibility as a city entity, and as essential workers, quite frankly, to ensure that they are safe when they're getting on those buses.”
The Throne of Grace Ministries in East Charlotte held a special service for the driver later in December, calling his survival a miracle.
Several community supporters attended the service, including Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden who 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.
CATS shared that CMPD's investigation indicates this was an isolated incident, with the bus and those on board not the 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," interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle said in a statement.
Meanwhile, CMPD said this remains an active and ongoing investigation there has not been any arrest in connection to this shooting.