CTA bus driver attacked by passenger who wouldn't pay fare on Chicago's South Side

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A CTA bus driver was attacked by a passenger Tuesday morning in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.

Police and CTA officials said the 44-year-old bus driver got into an argument with a passenger around 11 a.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of East 71st Street, after the passenger boarded without paying.

The passenger punched the driver several times, then dragged her off the bus, and struck the driver several more times before running away.

The driver suffered several abrasions, and was taken to South Shore Hospital, where she was listed in good condition.

"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," CTA President Dorval Carter said in a statement.

No one was in custody as of late Tuesday night. Area 1 detectives were investigating.

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