Police said that a gunman shot and killed a person as he hijacked a city bus in downtown Los Angeles this morning.
Police say that a SWAT squad rescued the bus driver and an additional passenger after a slow hour-long police chase. At a press conference held at the scene, Deputy Chief Donald Graham informed reporters that police used spike strips to stop the bus. He said that several people left the bus at this time.
Police have not yet identified the gunman who was arrested.
Police did not provide any details on the victim’s identity. He was shot in the bus, and died in a hospital nearby, they said.
Graham stated that the driver had used “emergency protocol” to raise the alarm. He added that the driver was “in good spirits” despite being a little shaken. He then went on to praise bus drivers, calling them civil service heroes.
He said that the operator had continued to drive the bus as safely as possible under the circumstances. The police were following him for about an hour before the spike strips took effect. “I think the bus operator and the individual in question, as well as all bus operators, are doing a great job.”
In an earlier statement from the LAPD, a spokesperson stated that the driver was uninjured and had been helped out of the bus by SWAT. She also said that a suspect was in custody.
The police also stated earlier that “another victim is being transported inside the bus to the hospital”, and that CPR had been performed.
In a press release, LA Metro stated that they were “grateful” for the LAPD’s quick action in the wake of the bus hijacking this morning and are grateful that the driver was not injured.
The statement continued, “Metro provides the operator with all the support that he needs.”
The LAPD is currently conducting an investigation.
TikTok users and YouTube users who were apparently on the scene during the police operation posted videos. In one video, which shows a bus parked in orange, the police can be heard saying, “This is LAPD. You’re surrounded. Come out with your arms up.”
Los Angeles Fire Department evaluated both the driver and the alleged hijacker and found that neither required medical treatment.
In a second police statement, it was stated that the exact circumstances of the incident were unknown.
LAPD confirmed the incident shortly before 6 am. A SWAT team responded to reports that a bus was stuck at Almeda Street and 6th Street in downtown Los Angeles.
