Bronx, New York — A 41-year-old father was fatally shot aboard a BX36 bus in the Bronx on Monday afternoon following a dispute with another passenger over talking loudly on a cellphone, police said.

Jonathan Pettigrew, a devoted single father of seven who worked at a local restaurant, was heading to pick up his young daughter from school when the incident occurred near East Tremont Avenue and White Plains Road around 2:30 p.m.

According to authorities and family members, Pettigrew politely asked a teenager to lower his voice during the phone conversation. An argument quickly escalated, and the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Pettigrew in the abdomen before fleeing the scene.

Pettigrew managed to exit the bus but collapsed on the sidewalk. He was transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

His brother, Avery Pettigrew, described Jonathan as a “good guy” who was not involved in street life, loved sports, and had recently gained full custody of his youngest daughter. “He was on his way to pick up his daughter,” Avery said, expressing disbelief at the news.

Police are actively searching for the suspect, described as a male in his teens wearing a white shirt. No arrests have been made as of the latest reports.

The shooting has drawn attention to safety concerns on public transit in New York City. Pettigrew’s family is mourning the loss and seeking justice, particularly for his young daughter who is reportedly too young to fully understand what happened.

Anyone with information is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers. This remains an ongoing investigation.