CTA Worker Killed in Apparent Carjacking on Chicago's South Side

A Chicago community is mourning the tragic loss of a longtime Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) employee who was fatally shot during an apparent carjacking early Monday morning.

Authorities say 57-year-old Kevin Barlow, a CTA rail switch worker, was preparing to begin his workday around 4:15 a.m. when the violence unfolded outside the CTA's 98th Street Rail Maintenance Facility in the 9900 block of South State Street in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood.

According to the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308, Barlow had stepped outside to retrieve something from his personal vehicle when he was confronted by suspects in what investigators believe was an attempted carjacking. During the encounter, he was shot in the chest.

Emergency responders transported Barlow to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Union officials described Barlow as a dedicated employee who had reported to work like any other day before his life was suddenly taken. His death has left coworkers, family members, and the transit community grieving.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police continue searching for those responsible.

Every worker deserves to return home safely after earning an honest living. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin Barlow's family, friends, coworkers, and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.

Rest in peace, Kevin Barlow. 🕊️

— The SouthSide Signal