This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Metro Bus Driver Shooting: Suspect IDd, Booked for Murder
Photo by ˜db˜ via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Authorities in West Hollywood have released the name of the man detained on suspicion of fatally shooting a Metro bus driver Sunday morning. 41-year-old Anthony Craig Chambers of Los Angeles was booked for the murder of the operator of the Route 105 bus traveling eastbound on Santa Monica Boulevard. Chambers was a passenger on the bus.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies say that the suspect shot the driver in the upper torso and climbed out a back window on the bus where he awaited his arrest.
"The MTA confirmed that the victim was Allen Thomas, 51, who was an MTA employee for five years," reports ABC7.
Chambers is being held in lieu of $1 million bail. The LASD say they will not release a booking photo of the suspect, and have no other information about him available at this time.
The LASD note that during their on-scene investigation, detectives discovered a suspicious package inside the bus, which arson investigators determined was not explosive, but the item was removed from the vehicle.
Of yesterday's shooting, Metro spokesperson Rick Jager remarks how rare and troubling such an incident is for the transit agency, according to City News Service: From our perspective we are very concerned about this incident,'' Jager said. "It is a very highly unusual situation."
Jager adds: "Our CEO went to the scene to express his condolences. We are very concerned about our fellow employees.''
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
