A Chicago high school principal is being called a miracle survivor after his car was riddled with bullets during a frightening shooting on the city’s South Side, according to CBS Chicago.
Authorities say Rickey Harris, principal of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, was driving Friday night when gunfire erupted near 95th Street and Throop Street in the city’s Washington Heights neighborhood. Police say dozens of rounds were fired, striking his vehicle multiple times and shattering windows.
Despite the intensity of the gunfire, Harris was not struck by any bullets. Officials say he was able to drive himself away from the scene and head directly to a nearby police station to report the incident. The vehicle he was driving showed extensive damage, with bullet holes covering parts of the passenger side.
Investigators believe the gunfire may have come from a weapon modified with a switch, which allows a semi-automatic firearm to fire rapidly like an automatic weapon. Surveillance video from the area reportedly captured the suspect firing at least twice, including toward another vehicle moments later. Police have not confirmed whether Harris was the intended target or if the shooting was random.
Following the incident, Harris shared that he felt grateful to have survived such a dangerous encounter, describing himself as a “living, breathing, walking miracle.” The incident has left many in the school community shaken but relieved that their principal was not physically harmed.
As of now, no arrests have been announced, and investigators continue to search for suspects and determine a motive behind the shooting. The case remains under active investigation.
The shooting highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence across Chicago neighborhoods, particularly involving weapons modified with illegal switches that significantly increase the danger during shootings. Community members and school officials are continuing to monitor the situation as more details are released.
