CTA bus driver escapes through window after alleged armed hijacking

Armed felon threatens CTA bus driver, caught on camera

A Chicago CTA bus driver escaped through a window after police say a convicted felon threatened her with a gun and forced her to keep driving through multiple red lights on the Southwest Side.

CHICAGO - A 36-year-old convicted felon is facing several felony charges after police say he pulled a gun on a CTA bus driver and forced her to keep driving on Chicago's Southwest Side before she escaped through a window.

The incident happened Tuesday and was captured on surveillance video.

CTA bus driver threatened at gunpoint

What we know:

The incident happened around 8:24 p.m. Tuesday in the 5400 block of South Pulaski Road, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Police identified the suspect as Quentin Lewis. Investigators say he boarded the bus near the 2800 block of South Pulaski Road and began waving a gun with an extended magazine.

CTA bus driver escapes through window after passenger hijacks bus at gunpoint

A CTA bus driver escaped through a window after a passenger allegedly pulled a gun and ordered her to keep driving, authorities said. (Credit: Chicago Critter)

Police say Lewis threatened the 35-year-old driver and ordered her to keep driving. Other passengers were on board when Lewis allegedly pointed the firearm toward the front and back of the bus.

The bus then ran through four red lights before someone on board pulled the emergency brake.

The driver stopped near South Pulaski Road and, fearing for her safety, jumped out of a window.

Lewis allegedly got into a nearby vehicle and fled. Police later tracked him down and took him into custody.

According to police, officers located Lewis and ordered him to drop the gun and exit the vehicle. As officers attempted to arrest him, Lewis allegedly put the vehicle in reverse and struck a marked Chicago police vehicle.

Lewis was eventually taken into custody, and officers recovered a firearm.

Pictured is the firearm that was recovered by Chicago police (Chicago PD )

CTA riders react to disturbing video

What they're saying:

People who regularly use the bus stop where the incident began say the surveillance video is disturbing, but they also worry about safety on public transportation.

One rider says her heart goes out to the driver, while another describes frequent fights and disturbances on CTA buses.

CTA bus driver escapes through window after passenger hijacks bus at gunpoint (Chicago Critter )

In a statement, the CTA said Friday it is fully cooperating with Chicago police:

"The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) continues to work closely with the Chicago Police Department to support its investigation of this incident, including sharing available surveillance footage and other relevant information. We applaud their work to swiftly arrest the offender and will continue to support law enforcement officials’ efforts to ensure that the offender is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."