A female CARTA bus driver had an "unknown liquid" thrown in her face at the rear of the CARTA headquarters by Sholar Avenue on Tuesday morning, fire officials said. It is near Wilcox Boulevard and Holtzclaw Avenue.
Four bystanders were also taken to the hospital. Police said all those affected were CARTA employees, who may have gotten liquid on them while assisting the injured driver.
The suspect was described as a black female, light complexion, approximate 5’3" to 5’5" in height, wearing rubber gloves, hair net or scarf, blue short sleeve T- shirt, and khaki pants.
In the incident at 6:45 a.m., the driver was walking across the parking lot getting ready to clock in for the day's work when she was attacked.
The Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the call to assist Hamilton County EMS personnel who were on the scene.
EMS advised that the female with burns to her face was transported to a local hospital.
The Fire Department responded with 15 companies which included the Haz-Mat team.
The liquid was tested on the scene and found to be non-life threatening. It was sent for further testing.
Lisa Maragnano, CARTA’s executive director, said that the CARTA employee is receiving medical treatment for her non-life threatening injuries received during the incident.
“We can report that the liquid was not a hazardous substance and does not pose any danger to our employees or visitors,” said Ms. Maragnano. “We would like to reassure the general public that there is no threat or imminent danger to them, and our services will continue to operate as normal. The safety of our employees and the general public is always our number one priority.”
Police said, "Members of the Violent Crimes Bureau are actively investigating this incident. If you have any information on this incident, please call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525."