CTA employee assaulted on bus during argument on Chicago's South Side: police

CHICAGO - A CTA employee was assaulted during a confrontation on a bus Monday morning.

Around 11 a.m., in the 400 block of East 71st Street, a rider boarded an eastbound #71 bus without paying and began to argue with a 44-year-old CTA Line Instructor who was on board, officials said.

The argument quickly escalated, and the rider punched the CTA employee several times and forcibly pulled her off the bus. The offender then continued to strike her before fleeing the scene.

The employee suffered abrasions and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was reported to be in good condition. 

So far, no arrests have been made.

CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. released the following statement following the incident:

"We are outraged by this senseless act of violence against a CTA employee who is dedicated to keeping Chicago’s transit system running. Such attacks are not only unacceptable, they are also a felony. CTA is working closely with Chicago Police to aggressively pursue this case as a top priority. We will utilize all the resources at our disposal to find the perpetrators and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. CTA’s transit workers are dedicated public servants and deserve our respect and protection."