In a startling incident reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, a gunman hijacked an MTA bus packed with passengers in Los Angeles early on September 25. This dramatic turn of events set off a citywide manhunt that lasted over an hour before police apprehended the suspect. Tragically, during this ordeal, one passenger was shot and later died from their injuries in the hospital.
Deputy Chief Donald Graham of the Los Angeles Police Department recounted that the emergency call came in around 12:45 AM, alerting authorities to the hijacking occurring in the Vermont Knolls area near South Figueroa Street and Manchester Avenue.
According to KTLA5, during the hijacking, the suspect brandished a weapon, prompting the bus driver to hit the emergency button. This action triggered messages such as “911,” “Police,” and “Emergency” to light up on the front and outside of the bus. Upon arriving at the scene, police found the bus stopped near West 117th Street and South Figueroa Street, allowing several passengers to escape. However, as officers attempted to approach, the bus took off, leading to a tense chase.
Graham hailed the bus driver as a “public service hero,” commending his ability to navigate the vehicle as safely as possible under such harrowing circumstances while being pursued for more than an hour.
The suspect had threatened the driver with a gun, but, as Graham noted, despite the intense pressure, the driver remained composed thanks to his training. In an attempt to halt the bus, police deployed spike strips, successfully deflating its tires after about an hour of pursuit. The chase ended when the bus finally stopped at East 6th Street and South Alameda Street, close to a local encampment. A SWAT team then boarded the vehicle, successfully rescuing the driver and the remaining passengers.
After the situation was resolved, the driver managed to escape through a window with the help of officers, while another passenger suffered injuries and required urgent medical care. Unfortunately, a third passenger was shot multiple times and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Investigators suspect the gunman may have fired the shots before the pursuit began. The suspect is now in custody, but their motive remains unclear.
In the wake of this incident, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn praised the bus driver for his outstanding presence of mind in activating the silent alarm, alerting law enforcement to the critical situation. She emphasized the urgent need to prevent such incidents from occurring and to ensure that weapons cannot be brought onto public transport.
Mayor Karen Bass also expressed gratitude for the quick and courageous actions of both the bus driver and the police, stating that events like this are completely unacceptable. She plans to work closely with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board to strengthen safety regulations for public transport.
As reported by CNN, this incident serves as yet another disturbing reminder of how everyday citizens are confronting gun violence and terror in places that were once considered safe—ranging from schools and supermarkets to now our public transportation systems.
