Crime & Safety
Chicago, IL Police Arrest Man Accused of Armed CTA Bus Kidnapping
CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago Transit Authority bus driver escaped through a window after an armed passenger allegedly threatened people aboard the bus and forced the driver to continue through red lights o
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-11-06T17:50:58.471Z
CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago Transit Authority bus driver escaped through a window after an armed passenger allegedly threatened people aboard the bus and forced the driver to continue through red lights on the city's Southwest Side. Police say the suspect was arrested within 30 minutes.
According to the Chicago Police Department , the incident began Tuesday, Nov. 3, at approximately 8:01 p.m., when Quentin Lewis, 36 , boarded a CTA bus near the 2800 block of South Pulaski Road.
Investigators allege Lewis displayed a firearm and pointed it toward the front and rear of the bus while other passengers were aboard.
Driver Forced to Continue Through Red Lights Police said Lewis allegedly forced the bus driver to continue operating the vehicle, including driving through red traffic signals.
After reaching the 5500 block of South Pulaski Road, the driver managed to stop the bus and escape through a window.
Officers assigned to the 8th District Tactical Team responded and located Lewis inside a nearby vehicle, allegedly still holding a firearm.
Suspect Arrested After Vehicle Strikes Police Car Officers ordered Lewis to drop the weapon and exit the vehicle.
Instead, police allege he placed the vehicle in reverse, striking a marked Chicago Police Department squad car.
Officers arrested Lewis and recovered a firearm.
Four Felony Charges Filed Following an investigation involving witness statements and video evidence, authorities announced four felony charges:
Felon in possession of a weapon Receive or possess a stolen vehicle Kidnapping while armed with a firearm Aggravated unlawful restraint Detectives from the Citywide Robbery Task Force and Public Transportation Section assisted in the investigation.
Police did not report injuries to the driver or passengers in the supplied announcement.
Lewis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.