Police Share Video Of Person Of Interest In Fatal Shooting Of CTA Employee In Roseland

ROSELAND — Chicago police have shared surveillance video of a man wanted for questioning in the shooting death of a longtime Chicago Transit Authority employee.

Thomas Kevin Barlow, 57, was sitting inside his black Mercedes around 4 a.m. June 29 in the 9900 block of South State Street when someone approached his car. A confrontation broke out and a gun was fired, according to a police report cited by the Sun-Times.

The shooter drove away in Barlow’s car as he lay in the street unresponsive, the report said. The car was later recovered.

Barlow was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was taken in critical condition to Christ Hospital, where he later died, police said.

In the video shared by police, a man is seen looking down on his phone as he walks near the intersection of 97th Street and Michigan Avenue before heading toward the 9900 block of South State Street, where the shooting happened. He is then seen walking in the 10100 Block of Perry Avenue, according to the video.

The man in the video is wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with a Chicago Bears claw logo on the back and dark colored pants. A physical description of the man was not released by police.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at 312-747-8271 and reference in the incident number JK312771. Anyone can also submit an anonymous tip at www.cpdtip.com.

Barlow, a CTA employee for nearly 20 years, was known for his infectious smile, unforgettable laugh and unwavering protective spirit, family members previously shared in a statement to Block Club. 

A Woodlawn native, he was a “devoted member” of the Prince Hall Masons and Shriners who believed in giving back, his family said in the statement.

“Our hearts are broken by the loss of our beloved son, father, brother, and friend,” Barlow’s family said in a statement to Block Club. “He lived a life defined by kindness, service and quiet strength. A proud CTA employee, he loved his work and was always the first to lend a helping hand to coworkers and passengers alike.”

Maurice Warren, who said he knew Barlow for 30 years through their work with the Prince Hall Masons and Shriners, said Barlow “had one of the biggest hearts and a powerful laugh.”

“He was a stand-up guy,” Warren said. “I’m always going to remember him. He’s my brother.”

Kurtis Robinson, who became fast friends with Barlow over their shared love of playing cards, said Barlow was a “gentle giant with a lot of wisdom.” Barlow was a skilled player of the Bid Whist card game, even winning first place in a recent tournament, Robinson said.

When anyone was angry, upset or feeling “all over the place,” Barlow always had a quote or an email to share that would help bring them back to balance and peace, Robinson said. Barlow taught him time and time again “not to sweat the small stuff,” he said.

In a statement following the shooting, the CTA said Barlow was “remembered as a hardworking and dedicated staff member.” Acting President Nora Leerhsen said he would “forever be a beloved member of our CTA family of employees.”

“Over nearly two decades, he showed up for our team and our riders with quiet dedication and an extraordinary spirit,” Leerhsen said. “His coworkers describe him as a man who was always the first to lend a hand, and whose warmth touched everyone he met. Our hearts go out to his family, his friends, and the entire CTA community, all of whom remember him lovingly.”

Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of whoever shot and killed Barlow, Paul Rutherford, executive director of Cook County Crime Stoppers, said in a news release following the shooting. The transit union that represented Barlow is also offering a $2,000 reward in the case.

“We are asking the public to do the right thing and help investigators hold those responsible accountable,” Rutherford said.