Recent Surge in Fatal Shootings on Dallas Transit

Dallas — Two fatal shootings on Dallas Area Rapid Transit trains have occurred within one week, alongside multiple other deadly shootings in the city over a recent 48-hour period. The most recent DART incident was a fatal shooting at Pearl Station in the Dallas Arts District Sunday evening, and a prior DART train shooting on September 29 resulted in another death.

Key facts

DART police reported a fatal shooting occurred on a DART train Sunday evening at Pearl Station in the Dallas Arts District around 7 p.m. One person was pronounced dead at the scene following the DART shooting. Investigators believe there was an argument prior to the shooting. Three witnesses provided statements to the DART police. No suspect is currently in custody for the DART shooting incident. DART officials indicated that it was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Trains resumed their normal schedule by Monday morning.

Other deadly incidents this weekend

Sunday morning, the Dallas Police Department responded to a shooting around 5:45 a.m. in West Dallas. Police found three people dead at the 3800 block of Bernal Dr. The identities of the victims have not been released. There is no information about whether a suspect is in custody for this incident.

Dallas police responded to a separate shooting that occurred early Sunday at 1:20 a.m. in East Dallas, where one victim, identified as 23-year-old Anthony Torres, was killed.

Timeline summary

• Early Sunday, 1:20 a.m. — East Dallas shooting that killed Anthony Torres.
• Sunday morning, around 5:45 a.m. — West Dallas shooting where three people were found dead at the 3800 block of Bernal Dr.
• Sunday evening, around 7 p.m. — Fatal shooting on a DART train at Pearl Station in the Dallas Arts District.
• September 29 — Previous DART train shooting that killed Daniel Gromley.

Investigations and responses

Crime scene investigators blocked off the West Dallas area for several hours to collect evidence. DART police have been gathering witness statements in the Pearl Station incident and report no suspect is currently in custody. DART police Chief Charles Cato stated that they are working diligently to ensure rider safety. Some riders have expressed concerns about safety on the DART system. City council member Cara Mendelsohn has requested DART to regularly report crime data to the public.

DART crime data and context

DART reported a 46% increase in type-A offenses but noted that recent changes to crime reporting categories contributed to this. From April to June, DART reported 168 assaults and 24 aggravated assaults. A previous shooting incident occurred on September 29, killing Daniel Gromley, who was shot after an argument on a DART train. The suspect in the September 29 shooting, identified as Christopher Akins, has been arrested and charged with murder. The DART Police Chief has emphasized the rarity of such violent incidents on the transit system.

What officials say and next steps

Local police departments and DART investigators continue active inquiries into each incident. DART has emphasized that the Pearl Station shooting was isolated and that normal service resumed by Monday morning. Dallas police continue to investigate the West Dallas triple homicide and the East Dallas homicide from early Sunday. Authorities have not released the names of the West Dallas victims and have not announced suspects in that case.

Background

Violent incidents on public transit remain relatively uncommon by officials’ accounts, but recent events have prompted renewed calls for more transparent and regular crime reporting from transit authorities. Elected officials and rider advocates are seeking clearer public data to track trends and inform safety measures.

FAQ

What happened at Pearl Station Sunday evening?

DART police reported a fatal shooting occurred on a DART train Sunday evening at Pearl Station in the Dallas Arts District around 7 p.m.

Was anyone killed in the Pearl Station incident?

One person was pronounced dead at the scene following the DART shooting.

Were there witnesses to the DART shooting?

Three witnesses provided statements to the DART police.

Is a suspect in custody for the DART shooting?

No suspect is currently in custody for the DART shooting incident.

Did DART say the incident was part of a larger threat?

DART officials indicated that it was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

When did train service return to normal?

Trains resumed their normal schedule by Monday morning.

What happened in West Dallas Sunday morning?

Sunday morning, the Dallas Police Department responded to a shooting around 5:45 a.m. in West Dallas.

How many people were found in the West Dallas scene?

Police found three people dead at the 3800 block of Bernal Dr.

Have the West Dallas victims been identified?

The identities of the victims have not been released.

Is there information on suspects for the West Dallas shooting?

There is no information about whether a suspect is in custody for this incident.

What other recent DART-related homicide occurred?

A previous shooting incident occurred on September 29, killing Daniel Gromley, who was shot after an argument on a DART train.

Was anyone arrested in the September 29 case?

The suspect in the September 29 shooting, identified as Christopher Akins, has been arrested and charged with murder.

What did DART report about overall crime trends?

DART reported a 46% increase in type-A offenses but noted that recent changes to crime reporting categories contributed to this. From April to June, DART reported 168 assaults and 24 aggravated assaults.

What happened in East Dallas early Sunday?

Dallas police responded to a separate shooting that occurred early Sunday at 1:20 a.m. in East Dallas, where one victim, identified as 23-year-old Anthony Torres, was killed.

Incident summary table