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‘Putting students at risk’ Family of 18-year-old student killed near RTA hub calls for safer options

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DAYTON — The family of an 18-year-old shot and killed near an RTA bus hub is calling for change.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 5, 18-year-old Alfred Hale III was shot and killed while waiting for his bus at the Wright Stop Plaza RTA hub.

“This is my worst nightmare,” Alfred Hale II said. “He was no trouble, kid ... He just wanted to enjoy life.”

“I’m frustrated, I’m heartbroken,” Nellie Bailey, Hale III’s mother, said.

Bailey said her son loved basketball and baseball. He was planning to enlist in the Marines after graduation.

His parents believe he should never have been downtown on his way to school.

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“They put them kids out there without a plan, without protection, without any deep thought of what could possibly happen,” Bailey said.

News Center 7 reached out to RTA for a response.

“They choose right now to use RTA, buying our public passes. We still do not think this is the best solution for students, but we working diligently to make it work to the best of our abilities,” Bob Ruzinsky, RTA president and CEO said.

“We have not spoke to DPS at all,” Bailey said.

Hale II’s parents said leadership from DPS has not reached out to them since their son’s death.

“This has to stop, we know and everyone knows it’s a problem and there are no solutions. What are our public officials doing?” The family’s attorney, Michael L. Wright, said.

“I just feel like they’re all confused, so they don’t have a plan,” Bailey said.

“If we didn’t have to transport charter school students, we could easily transport our high school students,” Dr. David Lawrence, DPS superintendent, previously told News Center 7.

News Center 7 has reached out to DPS for a comment on Tuesday, but has not heard back.

We will continue to follow this story.

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