CHARLOTTE, NC – A dispute on a CATS bus escalated into an exchange of gunfire, resulting in serious injuries for both the bus driver and a passenger. The incident took place on Thursday at around 11:15 a.m. on the 8500 block of Outlet Boulevard near the Charlotte Premium Outlets.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, handling the investigation, reported that an argument between the bus driver and a passenger escalated when both individuals pulled out firearms. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The suspected party is currently in custody, and according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, there is no immediate threat to the public.
A statement from the Charlotte Area Transit System expressed regret over the incident, reiterating that the safety and well-being of all employees and riders are their top priority. The statement also clarified that CATS policy prohibits employees from possessing a weapon on CATS property or while performing their job.