Wife of CTA shooting victim calls for more security: 'Raymond didn't choose to be murdered'
CTA Board chair said security plan submitted to federal government appears headed for approval
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Sitting before CTA Board members during a public comment session, Marquettia Johnson described the pain of losing her husband, Raymond Harrison, and the frustration she says has only grown in the months since his death.
"Raymond didn't choose to be murdered. He chose to get home to his family. And he never made it because it wasn't security on the trains to handle the situation," Johnson said.
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The shooting happened two days before Christmas, near the Washington and Wells station in the Loop.
Police say Pedro Villarreal was armed with a knife and arguing with two men on the train.
They say he took a gun from one of the men, and opened fire on both of them.
Harrison was killed in the attack
Johnson also said there was no acknowledgement from the CTA about the tragedy her family has endured.
"At least send their condolences. It's happening too much for you not to recognize it or address it," Johnson said.
Johnson's comments struck a chord with Board members.
Chairman Lester Barclay said it's unusual for them to hear directly from crime victims.
"I was overwhelmed by their grief, their loss," Barclay said. There are ways you can pick up the phone and say, 'I'm sorry for your loss.'"
This comes as the CTA Board submitted a revised security enhancement plan to the Federal Transit Administration after the first plan was rejected.
It includes a 75 percent increase in monthly system policing hours, aggressive crime reduction targets and expanded social service support.
The CTA Board chair signaled to the ABC7 Chicago I-Team Wednesday that it seems to be headed for approval.
"We have heard a little bit of information, but nothing that it's crystal clear, that everything is a go. But they basically have accepted this plan at this point. And, but we recognize that there's a lot of work to be done," Barclay said.
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