Ministry holds service for CATS bus driver recovering from shooting

December 31, 2023 | By Myles Harris –  WCNC Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While a CATS bus driver is still recovering after being shot by a stray bullet, his congregation is recognizing the bus operator and calling his survival a miracle.

The Throne Of Grace Ministries in East Charlotte held a special service for Zavier Austin who was shot while driving a CATS bus earlier this month.

Several community supporters were in attendance, including Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden who also spoke at the service. Sheriff McFadden said that spirits were high during service. His concern focuses on how to better protect and manage public transportation buses during emergencies.

“We just come to celebrate it and support him. And let him know he has support throughout the year, and the coming months of his recovery,” McFadden said.

LaWana Mayfield, a Charlotte city council member, echoed the call for more action in keeping those behind the wheel safe from violence.

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City leaders, CATS drivers discuss safety changes after driver hit by stray bullet

December 31, 2023 | By News Staff –  WSOC-TV

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) driver who was hit by a stray bullet on his route more than a week ago is back home and expected to be okay.

On Sunday, CATS operators and members gathered to give thanks and pray for his speedy recovery.

Channel 9 brought you the story on Friday, December 22, when the driver was hit in the neck by a stray bullet in a northwest Charlotte neighborhood.

In response to that shooting, both CATS drivers and city officials met to discuss possible safety improvements at a prayer meeting at the Throne of Grace Church off Albemarle Road.

Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield shared her ideas for more streamlined communication between drivers and management when any situation happens.

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Local leaders to hold meeting in hopes of bringing changes to CATS safety

December 30, 2023 | By Glenn Counts –  Yahoo!news

With the new year just around the corner, employees at the Charlotte Area Transit System are hoping for better safety measures.

Throughout this year, there have been several incidents involving CATS; most recently, a driver was hit by a stray bullet last week. Fortunately, he is back home from the hospital and recovering.

Both drivers and employees are grateful for their colleague’s recovery, and they will be holding a prayer service on Sunday at 10 a.m. at Throne of Grace Church on Albemarle Road.

Sheriff McFadden, Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield, and Union members are some of the speakers at the event. They are expected to call for improved safety measures for drivers.

Continue reading the full story here.