CHICAGO — A late-night altercation aboard a CTA bus turned violent on April 27, leaving two men injured and an 18-year-old now charged with attempted murder.
Chicago police arrested William Soto, 18, on Wednesday in connection with the shooting. The incident unfolded just before midnight on a bus traveling through the 4800 block of West Belmont Avenue in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood.
Altercation Leads to Gunfire
According to the Chicago Police Department, a verbal dispute erupted between Soto and a 40-year-old man aboard the bus. Moments later, Soto exited the bus, pulled out a handgun, and opened fire at the vehicle before fleeing the scene.
“The suspect fired multiple rounds into the CTA bus,” said police, noting that one of the bullets struck the 40-year-old man in both the abdomen and leg. He was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center and was last reported in fair condition.
A second victim, a 22-year-old man, suffered a graze wound to the ankle and was transported to Community First Medical Center, where he was treated and released in good condition.
Suspect Apprehended
On Wednesday, Soto was located and arrested in the first block of East 71st Street on the city’s South Side. He now faces two felony counts of attempted first-degree murder.
Authorities confirmed that Soto is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing on Thursday, though no further details about potential bond or legal representation have been disclosed.
CTA and Community Concerns
The shooting has raised fresh concerns about the safety of public transportation in Chicago, especially after hours.
Though police have not released additional information about Soto’s background or prior criminal history, residents in the area expressed growing frustration about violent incidents on CTA buses and trains, particularly late at night.
One commuter, who frequently travels through the Belmont Cragin corridor, called the shooting “yet another reminder that the city must do more to protect riders and workers on the CTA.”
Have you experienced or witnessed similar safety concerns on public transit in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
