Police Release Video of Person of Interest in Fatal Shooting of CTA Worker in Roseland

Chicago police released surveillance video Tuesday of a man they want to question in connection with the fatal shooting of a longtime CTA employee in Roseland more than a week ago.

Thomas Kevin Barlow, 57, was sitting in his black Mercedes around 4 a.m. on June 29 in the 9900 block of South State Street when someone walked up to the car, according to a police report. A confrontation followed, and a gun was fired. The shooter then drove off in Barlow's car while Barlow lay unresponsive in the street, the report said. His car was later recovered.

Barlow was shot in the chest and taken to Christ Hospital in critical condition. He died there.

The video police released shows a man walking near 97th Street and Michigan Avenue while looking down at his phone before he heads toward the 9900 block of South State Street, where the shooting happened. He's later seen in the 10100 block of Perry Avenue. He's wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with a Chicago Bears claw logo on the back and dark pants. Police have not released a physical description of the man.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call 312-747-8271 and reference incident number JK312771, or submit a tip anonymously at www.cpdtip.com.

Barlow had worked for the CTA for nearly 20 years. A Woodlawn native, he was a member of the Prince Hall Masons and Shriners and was known among friends for his card-playing skill, having recently won first place in a Bid Whist tournament.

"Our hearts are broken by the loss of our beloved son, father, brother, and friend," Barlow's family said in a statement. "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 knew Barlow for 30 years through the Prince Hall Masons and Shriners, described him as someone with "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, a friend Barlow bonded with over Bid Whist, called him a "gentle giant with a lot of wisdom" who often shared a quote or a message to help friends find calm when they were upset. Barlow taught him "not to sweat the small stuff," Robinson said.

The CTA said in a statement that Barlow would be remembered as a hardworking and dedicated staff member. Acting President Nora Leerhsen said Barlow "showed up for our team and our riders with quiet dedication and an extraordinary spirit" over nearly two decades with the agency.

"His coworkers describe him as a man who was always the first to lend a hand, and whose warmth touched everyone he met," Leerhsen said. "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 an arrest, according to Executive Director Paul Rutherford. The transit workers' union that represented Barlow has added a $2,000 reward.

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

No arrests had been announced as of Tuesday. Detectives are continuing to review the surveillance footage and process evidence recovered from Barlow's car, and they are relying on the public to help identify the man seen walking through Roseland in the hours before the shooting.