Washington Heights, Chicago shooting suspect fires at Whitney Young High School Principal Rickey Harris at Throop and 95th Street

“I am a living, breathing, walking miracle,” declared Rickey Harris, the principal of Whitney Young High School, in an interview with ABC7.

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday night, Rickey Harris narrowly escaped a terrifying encounter when his car was struck by a barrage of bullets in the Washington Heights area. Following the incident, he drove straight to a nearby police station, feeling profoundly grateful for his survival.

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As Harris traveled down Throop near 95th Street, his white car became the target of gunfire from an automatic weapon. Initially unaware of the situation, Harris only realized the danger when a bullet shattered his rear window.

“While I was driving, I started shaking as it dawned on me that these were gunshots, not just one but several,” Harris recounted.

The passenger side of his car was riddled with bullets, with one shot piercing the front windshield and another the rear passenger window. Miraculously, Harris, who was in the driver’s seat, emerged unscathed.

“I am a living, breathing, walking miracle,” he reiterated, reflecting on his astonishing escape.

Chicago police say they have a report of the first shooting, but not the second.

Harris has devoted his career to educating young people and improving their lives. He says he cannot imagine any reason why he might have been targeted.

“If anyone’s looking for a sign to believe in God, here I am. Here I am,” Harris said.

His car is likely a complete loss, but he is just grateful to be alive.

CPD acknowledged a report of the first shooting would make no mention of the second. They say the incident is still under investigation.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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