A terrifying incident in Chicago has drawn attention to the public after a female bus driver escaped through a bus window when an armed passenger threatened her and forced her to continue driving.
The dramatic video footage of the incident has renewed concerns about safety of public transport workers and passengers.
It happened on November 3, 2026 at about 8 PM in Chicago (United States). Quentin Lewis, 36, allegedly got onto a CTA bus in the 2800 block of South Pulaski Road before pulling out a gun.
Things quickly got scary when the man reportedly pointed the weapon at front and rear of bus. He allegedly told the driver to keep driving and not stop (even when the bus came near traffic signals).
The 35-year old female driver was said to have continued driving because she “feared the armed passenger would attack her”. The bus had to pass through at least four red traffic lights while the suspect controlled the situation, reports say.
After driving several blocks the driver was able to get the bus stopped in the 5400 block of South Pulaski Road. She apparently used an emergency mechanism inside the vehicle to prevent the suspect from taking control of the steering wheel.
Meanwhile the passengers got out of the bus safely. The driver was still stuck inside the vehicle with the armed man reportedly sitting behind her.
The driver saw how dangerous she was and found an escape route through one of the bus windows. She climbed out of the window and ran towards another CTA bus nearby to reach safety.
It was terrifying because the driver had to make a decision very quickly with an armed man in the bus. She got out so it ended that scary situation for her but the suspect fled the bus shortly after that.
The suspect then went into an unoccupied car that had been left running nearby and officers responded to the scene where he was found inside the vehicle with the gun still in his hand (police reports).
OMG! This bus driver had to jump out of the window to escape a crazy man who was on the bus shooting everywhere! 😳 https://t.co/ftGM1TLn5I
— Tee🦋 (@teeelatricee) November 5, 2026
When officers tried to arrest him the suspect put the car into reverse and hit a marked Chicago Police Department vehicle. Police eventually took him into custody and recovered the firearm.
The suspect was identified as Quentin Lewis, a 36-year-old Chicago resident and convicted felon who is charged with kidnapping with a firearm; aggravated unlawful restraint; possession of stolen vehicle and possession of weapon by felon.
Lewis appeared in court on November 5 where he was ordered detained and another court appearance is scheduled for November 10.
Thankfully nobody was injured in the accident. The driver and passengers escaped the dangerous situation.
The incident has exposed the risks public transport workers face (especially those who work alone and may have threatening passengers during their shifts). The driver’s escape also brought attention to emergency procedures and safety measures on public buses.
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