'Could have tragically ended a beautiful person's life:' Husband speaks after wife narrowly dodges gunfire

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported EMBARK added armed security to its RAPID and some fixed route buses in 2024. The article has been updated to reflect EMBARK added unarmed security to those buses.

Newly released security video shows the moments gunfire whizzed past a driver and rider on an EMBARK PLUS paratransit bus on Jan. 17 near NW 88th St. and Walker.

The gunshots, which an EMBARK spokesperson said were random and isolated, pierced through the glass of the bus' double doors. Police have not made any arrests in the case, but said witnesses saw two young males running away after the shooting.

Darin Smith, who is the husband of the rider seen in the video, said it has broken his family's heart to be so close to danger.

"I just don't understand why shooting seems to be the main go-to nowadays," Smith said. "It definitely freaked her out, and freaked me out too."

Thankfully, no one was injured.

Neighbor Darryl Teague said rogue gunshots are an unfortunate problem in the neighborhood.

"I know we got some problem people in this area, but there's a lot of good people up here," Teague said. "I think there's good police coverage out this way. They do patrol pretty good."

Smith would like whoever is responsible to turn themselves into the police.

"You don't know me, I don't know you, you don't know my wife," he said. "But you could have tragically ended a beautiful person's life. My wife is the sweetest, most compassionate person that you'll ever meet. She'll do anything for anybody."

Last year, EMBARK added unarmed security to its RAPID buses and some fixed-route buses. A recent survey from EMBARK stated that 81% of its riders feel safe on its buses.