Just hours after Mayor Karen Bass announced stronger safety enforcement presence on Metro buses and stations, a man was shot to death aboard a bus. Robert Kovacik reports for the NBC4 News on May 16, 2024.
A passenger was shot and killed Thursday afternoon on a Metro bus just hours after city and transit official announced plans to increase safety on the system following a spike in violent crime on buses and trains.
Deputies responded to the 6200 block of Slauson Avenue, between Eastern and Garfield Avenues, around 4:50 p.m. regarding a shots fired called, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
One person was taken to a hospital, where they later died. According to Lt. Arthur Spencer of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the victim was shot from behind.
"The suspect approached the victim from behind, pointed a firearm at the victim," Lt. Spencer said in a press conference. "The victim sustained a gunshot wound. The suspect fled on foot and he was captured shortly thereafter."
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A statement by Metro said it was saddened by the latest act of violence.
"The tragic incident this afternoon aboard a Metro bus in the Commerce area exemplifies how violence is increasing in society overall and spilling into our local communities," Metro's statement read. "Metro is saddened by this incident and extends our deepest sympathies to the victim’s family. Metro thanks the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for their quick apprehension of a person of interest."
The shooting comes hours after Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass held a press conference calling for a stronger law and safety enforcement presence on Metro. In a statement Thursday night, the mayor's office called the latest act of violence "unacceptable."
"Yesterday, the Mayor directed a surge for law enforcement to be more visible, present and responsive on Metro buses, trains and stations," the mayor's statement read. "Metro will also consider a motion introduced earlier today by Mayor Bass to address the recent spike in violence next week."
"We are focused on that 20% increase in law enforcement across the system and we're working on that and implementing that mission," said Capt. Shawn Kehoe of LASD Transit Services. "But we understand that just one single crime, one incident, one thing like this, nobody wants to experience."
Anyone with information regarding the shooting was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
