The man who allegedly hijacked a bus in Los Angeles and led police on an hourlong chase while holding the driver at gunpoint has been identified as Lamont Campbell, a 51-year-old man from L.A., according to the LAPD.
Campbell was arrested on murder charges after allegedly carjacking a bus early Wednesday morning in southern Los Angeles which ultimately left a currently unnamed 48-year-old Hispanic man from L.A. dead after Campbell allegedly shot him with a semi-automatic handgun, according to police.
The incident began at approximately 12:46 a.m. when the Los Angeles Police Department received radio calls about a disturbance on a bus in the area of Manchester Street and Figueroa Street in southern Los Angeles, Deputy Chief Donald Graham said in a briefing Wednesday morning.
“Officers located the Metro bus at South Figueroa Street and West 117th Street. Upon finding the bus, they observed passengers running from it and seeking help from the officers,” LAPD said in a statement on Wednesday evening. “The officers quickly learned from the passengers that there was an armed suspect on the Metro bus. They attempted to stop the bus but were unsuccessful, later discovering that the armed suspect had instructed the driver not to stop.”
A Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus was allegedly hijacked with the driver being forced to drive at gunpoint before police were able to apprehend the suspect, Sept. 25, 2024.
KABC
Multiple spike strips were deployed by officers during the pursuit, deflating several tires on the bus and ultimately causing it to stop at 6th Street and Alameda Boulevard, according to LAPD.
“SWAT personnel quickly observed that a victim was down inside the bus, formulated a tactical plan, and made entry without delay. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident,” authorities said.
A bus passes by a news van in front of a Los Angeles MTA bus depot near the site where overnight a bus was hijacked by an armed subject with passengers on board Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Ryan Sun/AP
Officers immediately began to render medical aid to the victim who was suffering from gunshot wounds before he was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased, LAPD confirmed.
Police have not yet given a motive in the case but did say that Campbell has since been charged with murder and booked at the 77th Area Jail where he is being held on a $2 million bail.
The investigation is currently ongoing.
Los Angeles police have identified 51-year-old Lamont Campbell as the suspect in a fatal bus hijacking that occurred earlier this week. The incident, which shocked residents and authorities alike, left one person dead and several others injured.
According to reports, Campbell boarded a city bus in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon and proceeded to hijack the vehicle at gunpoint. He allegedly forced the driver to deviate from the scheduled route and drove the bus erratically through city streets, putting the lives of passengers and pedestrians at risk.
During the chaotic ordeal, Campbell reportedly shot and killed a 35-year-old passenger who attempted to intervene. The victim, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Several other passengers sustained minor injuries as a result of the hijacking.
Police were able to apprehend Campbell after a brief standoff with SWAT teams. He was taken into custody without further incident and is currently facing multiple charges, including murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and kidnapping.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the hijacking, but they believe Campbell may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident. They are continuing to investigate the case and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The tragic events of this week have left the Los Angeles community in shock and mourning. The senseless loss of life and the brazen disregard for public safety displayed by Campbell have raised serious concerns about the need for improved security measures on public transportation systems.
As the investigation into this case continues, authorities are working to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when individuals choose to act recklessly and violently. It is imperative that we work together as a community to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
