MTA Mobility Van Driver Fatally Shot In Northeast Baltimore, Police Say
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- An MTA mobility van driver was fatally shot in northeast Baltimore on Friday afternoon, according to police.
Police were called shortly after 5:30 p.m. to the 4400 block of Moravia Road for a reported shooting.
When police arrived, they found a 49-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died.
Police said the preliminary investigation found that the victim, an MTA mobility van driver, was seated inside of his vehicle when he was approached by an unidentified man who shot him.
The suspect(s) then fled the location in a tan or beige colored Ford Crown Victoria or a Lincoln Grand Marquee, police said.
"This was a very heinous and cowardly act of violence," Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said. "We need the community's help to hold this person or persons accountable."
Mayor Brandon Scott called the violent act "unacceptable."
"A hero, a driver, an MTA mobility [van driver] was cowardly gunned down while doing his duty to help those who are most in need of getting around," Scott said.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration issued the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened by another tragic loss this evening as one of our First Transit Mobility service operators was killed on the job. The safety of our employees and our riders is MDOT MTA's highest priority. Violence against transit operators needs to stop immediately. MDOT MTA is grateful for our operators' dedication in transporting essential workers to critical jobs and, in this case, transporting our most vulnerable customers to essential services during the pandemic each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this most difficult time."
Gov. Larry Hogan called the shooting "absolutely senseless" and said this type of violence will "not be tolerated."
"This is the second time in a matter of months an MTA driver has been killed while serving the community. He was helping some of our most vulnerable citizens. It is absolutely senseless, and we will not tolerate this violence. Please keep his family in your prayers tonight," the governor tweeted.
Homicide detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.
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