CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois State Police are investigating after an empty CTA bus was hit by gunfire Saturday night on I-57. It happened between 111th and 115th streets, just a few hours after CTA employees held a demonstration downtown calling for safer working conditions.
Related
Outside City Hall at a weekend rally, longtime Chicago bus operator Marla Mullins said there should be increased penalties and accountability for crimes against CTA operators.
"You know if you hit someone, you are charging them. Why wouldn't it be a felony? Why would it be a misdemeanor? It should be a felony charge and it should stick. They should not be allowed to keep getting away with harming us," Mullins said.
Chicago police told WBBM Newsradio that charging is set by state law, and in summary, aggravated assault of a CTA employee is currently a Class A Misdemeanor.
The Chicago Police said a bus alarm is a priority one dispatch, which other than police and fire 10-1 calls, it is the highest priority that they respond to. But Mullins said there may be some inconsistency with police response.
"I hit the siren alarm, and no police presence even showed up when I was being threatened on the bus," Mullins said.
"With the people that is out here, they get on our bus, they have guns, they have knives," Mullins added.
Related
She told WBBM Newsradio she is alone at work with her focus on the road and little standing between her and the dangers she may face inside the bus.
"They have shields on the bus, but the shields come right to our face. Passengers are still allowed, to really, reach around, hit you, spat on you, that's unsafe. We need better protection out here; and I am asking, please, give us some better protection," Mullins said.
"We come out every day, risk our lives to move this city of Chicago, and then when it comes to us, we get no type of help. Kim Foxx let these people off. Slap them on the wrist or keep moving, don't charge them. Why should we keep having to experience that?" Mullins said.