CHICAGO, IL — Rickey Harris, the respected principal of Whitney Young Magnet High School, says he is a “walking miracle” after his vehicle was targeted in a violent shooting Friday night. The educator was driving through the Washington Heights neighborhood when dozens of rounds from an automatic weapon struck his car, narrowly missing him.
The incident occurred as Harris was driving down Throop Street from 95th Street. What began as a routine drive quickly turned into a fight for survival as a hail of gunfire rained down on his white sedan.
“Riddled With Bullets”
Harris described the terrifying moment the realization set in that he was under fire. The first sign of danger was the sound of his rear window shattering into pieces.
- The Damage: The passenger side of the vehicle was left riddled with bullet holes.
- The Close Call: One projectile pierced the front windshield, while another shattered the rear passenger window.
- The Escape: Despite the volume of fire, Harris was not struck. Shaking, he managed to drive the damaged car directly to a local police station.
“While driving, I’m shaking, realizing these were gunshots, multiple gunshots,” Harris said. “I am a living, breathing, walking miracle. If anyone’s looking for a sign to believe in God, here I am.”
Chilling Video Shows Gunman Opening Fire Twice
Security camera footage from the area captured the brazen nature of the attack. The video shows a gunman walking across the street shortly after the initial shots were fired at Harris.
In a chilling display of violence, the footage shows the same gunman opening fire again just 30 seconds later—this time aimed in the opposite direction at another passing car near a school building. The motive for either shooting remains unclear, and it is not yet known what the gunman was targeting.
Investigation and Community Impact
Rickey Harris has spent his career dedicated to the youth of Chicago, and he told reporters he cannot imagine any reason why he would be targeted. While his car is likely a total loss, his focus remains on the gratitude of surviving an encounter that could have easily been fatal.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) confirmed they have a report on file for the first shooting involving Harris, but noted they currently have no official report regarding the second shooting seen on the security footage.
CPD officials stated:
“The incident is still under investigation. A report of the first shooting would make no mention of the second unless a victim comes forward.”
A Call for Safety
As news of the attack spreads, the Whitney Young community and residents of Washington Heights are left reeling from the violence. No arrests have been made at this time, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
What do you think about the rising gun violence in Chicago neighborhoods? Should there be more high-tech surveillance in school zones to catch these incidents in real-time?
Share your thoughts in the comments and follow for updates on this developing story.
