One person was fatally shot in connection with a bus hijacking that prompted a police chase through two Georgia counties on Tuesday, authorities said.
The incident began at approximately 4:35 p.m. ET in downtown Atlanta, when police responded to a report of gunfire on a Gwinnett County Transit bus and a “possible hostage situation,” the Atlanta Police Department said.
Police pursue a Gwinnett County Transit bus that fled the scene after officers responded to a dispute on the bus, June 11, 2024.
WSB
“Upon the officers’ arrival at the scene, the bus fled the location, and a pursuit ensued,” the Atlanta Police Department said in a press release.
Several passengers were on the bus when it was hijacked, police said.
The ensuing pursuit spanned multiple jurisdictions, during which police attempted “various tactics” to stop the bus, police said. The vehicle ultimately stopped in Stone Mountain in DeKalb County, approximately 16 miles northeast of where the incident began, police said.
Once the bus came to a stop, DeKalb County SWAT officers “strategically positioned the Bearcat to prevent any avenues of escape,” the DeKalb County Police Department said in a statement.
Police pursue a Gwinnett County Transit bus that fled the scene after officers responded to a dispute on the bus, June 11, 2024.
WSB
The suspect — a 39-year-old man — was taken into custody without further incident, police said.
SWAT officers found the gunshot victim while clearing the bus, DeKalb County police said. The victim was transported in critical condition to a local hospital, where they died, Atlanta police said. No further details on the victim were provided by police.
No other injuries were reported.
The investigation remains ongoing, Atlanta police said.
Police in Georgia have one suspect in custody following a tragic bus hijacking that resulted in the death of one person. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when a Greyhound bus traveling from Atlanta to Savannah was taken over by an armed individual.
According to reports, the suspect, who has not been identified, brandished a weapon and demanded that the bus driver change course. The driver complied with the demands, but during the chaos, one passenger was fatally shot. The motive behind the hijacking remains unclear, and authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Georgia State Patrol quickly responded to the situation and was able to apprehend the suspect without further violence. The remaining passengers on the bus were safely evacuated and transported to a nearby location where they were able to receive support and assistance.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise when individuals choose to act out violently. It also highlights the bravery and quick thinking of law enforcement officials who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.
The victim of the shooting has not yet been identified, and their family is undoubtedly grieving the loss of their loved one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them during this difficult time.
As more details emerge about the bus hijacking, it is important for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. By working together, we can help prevent future tragedies like this from occurring.
In the meantime, the suspect is in custody and will face charges for their actions. Justice will be served for the victim and their family as the legal process unfolds.
Overall, this heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and security in our communities. We must continue to support our law enforcement officials and work together to ensure that incidents like this are rare occurrences in the future.
