Safe Passage Worker Shot In Austin
Chicago (CBS) -- Jonathan Hawkins, 29, a Safe Passage worker was shot once in the back this morning near the Central CTA Green Line station at North Central Avenue and West Corcoran Place.
Surveillance video shows a man getting out of a car and firing shots down Corcoran. He then ran back to the car and he and the driver took off. Police said the gunman was not shooting at Hawkins.
The victim, who usually works near Austin High School, was transported to Loyola Hospital. He is in serious condition, but his injuries were non-life threatening, according to police.
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Right after the shooting, South Austin community leaders, including Aisha Oliver, arrived at the scene to take a stand about the incident.
"Everyone came to make sure that we figured out what was going on, to figure out what we can do as a community to combat this," Oliver said.
Oliver described Hawkins as "always smiling, loved his job ... the type of person you want to encourage your kids on their way to school in the morning.
Hawkins has been a Safe Passage worker for five years.
The Safe Passage program was started to protect children going to school.
"It says something about the offenders," Sergeant Cindy Guerra said. "They really don't have a regard for anyone else around them."
No students were present during the shooting, Chicago Public Schools said.
"We will work with CPD to gather a full understanding of the incident to ensure that every possible measure is put in place to support student and staff safety," CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement.
CPS said a parent communication will be sent home with students to inform them of the incident and that police will provide additional vigilance in the area.
