Chicago police on Tuesday released an image of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of a longtime Chicago Transit Authority rail switcher who investigators say was killed during an apparent carjacking in Roseland last Monday (June 29). The victim, 57-year-old Thomas Kevin Barlow, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest around 4:15 a.m. in the 9900 block of South State Street, transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, and later pronounced dead.
Police Release Person-of-Interest Image
The department circulated a still photo of someone wearing a gray hooded top with a bear-claw logo on the back and dark pants, asking the public to help identify the person seen in the image. As reported by WGN-TV, police said the image was released as the investigation continues.
What Investigators Say
According to investigators, the shooting happened about 4:15 a.m. on the 9900 block of South State Street near a CTA rail facility. Family members and union officials identified the victim as Barlow, a rail switcher who had worked for the agency for nearly 18 years. A black Mercedes SUV that neighbors described as matching Barlow's vehicle was recovered hours later and is being examined in connection with an apparent carjacking and homicide, as reported by CBS Chicago.
Union And Community Response
Union leaders and community advocates held a news conference calling for stronger protections for transit workers who start shifts in the pre-dawn hours, arguing that frontline staff should be able to return home safely. Organizers said, "Every worker deserves to make it home safely after earning an honest living," as reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
Investigation Status And How To Help
No arrests have been announced, and Calumet Area detectives continue to investigate the case. Union Local 308 has offered a reward, and Cook County Crime Stoppers is also offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest, according to CBS Chicago. Tips can be submitted anonymously at cpdtip.com.
