BALTIMORE — Tuesday afternoon a 40-year-old woman was gunned down inside an MDOT MTA employee parking lot.
Police have identified the victim as Elaine Jackson.
MTA released a statement today, saying "MDOT MTA is grieving the tragic loss of one of our colleagues Tuesday evening at the Bush Bus Division."
"Elaine Jackson worked at MDOT MTA as a bus operator serving the residents of Baltimore for four years. She was a warm, caring individual and a valued member of the team.
MDOT MTA is grateful for her commitment to providing critical transit service and we offer our deepest condolences to her family.
The safety of our employees and riders is MDOT MTA’s highest priority. Counseling services are being provided to any employee who may need help or support in processing this loss.
We appreciate the diligent work of the Baltimore Police Department and MDOT MTA Police in this active investigation."
-Spokesperson for MDOT MTA on Thursday, October 20.
Jackson was also the winner of the Maryland Lottery on April 26, 2019. She and her boyfriend took home the $50,000 top prize in the drawing.
Crews were seen cleaning up the aftermath of the incident inside that parking lot on Wednesday, now people who work there are voicing their concerns about what happened.
“ I was relieving her on the bus a couple months ago. But I see they cleaning up the area so that must be where it happened at,” said an MTA bus driver.
The unidentified bus driver said since Tuesday afternoon around 5:00 p.m., that shooting has been the topic of discussion for people who work at MDOT MTA in south Baltimore.
“ I was on the bus going down Washington boulevard as I was going down the street the police were coming up the street and I had no idea they were coming here,” the bus driver said.
Police responded to that parking lot to find a 40-year-old woman who had been shot several times, she was then rushed to Shock Trauma where she died. At least 4 people who work at MDOT MTA said the woman who died was also an MDOT MTA employee.
“She was a nice girl," said the bus driver. "Another bus and the operator told me that they came over the radio and told everybody not to use this entrance because something had just happened. I’m devastated by it I think it’s horrible."
MDOT officials responded in a statement saying “MDOT MTA Police continue to work alongside Baltimore city police to investigate the incident, given the investigation is still active they can’t comment further”. But even city leaders like Mayor Brandon Scott expressed heartfelt empathy for what happened.
“ I'll just say that it is a unspeakable tragedy and BPD is currently working out leads and we hope to be able to bring this person to justice for the family, for the community for everyone that works at that facility,” Scott said.
Governor Larry Hogan says that any state resources needed for the investigation will be made available.
We are all grieving the tragic death of this dedicated public servant. The First Lady and I extend our condolences to Elaine Jackson's family and all of her colleagues at MTA. In addition to MTA Police, we will make available any state resources needed for the investigation.
Now other employees are concerned about their safety inside that parking lot moving forward.
“ I heard somebody was waiting for her all day in the parking lot and I’m not sure if he was supposed to be here. MTA operators they don’t, they just assume anybody that comes out here are MTA operators,” said the bus driver.
