A Metro bus operator was allegedly shot and killed by a passenger on Sunday morning shortly after leaving a bus layover for the 105 line at Santa Monica Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood. The operator, who was 51 and a five-year veteran of Metro, was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead at approximately 9:30 a.m.
His identity has not been released.
At the scene, Metro CEO Art Leahy told media that this was a highly unusual incident and that his chief concern was for the welfare of the operator’s family, as well as the Metro family of bus operators. He could not recall a fatal shooting of a bus operator at Metro or at the Southern California Rapid Transit District.
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Capt. Mike Parker said this morning that a suspect has been detained.
Here is a brief story published by the Los Angeles Times and here is a story by KABC News.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BROTHER.
I ride the bus often to WEHO and other areas. I look for body language. If I see someone putting their hands in their pockets to many times it means they are nervous and it shows weakness. That is concern #1. If a person is talking to them self and look spaced out- that concern #2 and yes I will step away and call 911 and report my concern and that a cop needs to show up.
condolences to the bus operator
but what was the line 105 doing on
Santa monica its
route is up San Vicente to sunset to Holloway to la cigena
now its 705 does operate via santa monica, to la cigena could got the line wrong?
Condolences to the family, friends and Metro family of the bus driver taken from us on Sunday. This death is a tragedy, and a reminder to us passengers to be appreciative of the men and women of Metro who work hard, often under stress, to get us where we’re going.
My heart and prayers to the family of the operater. And to all operaters who service people like myself a combat veteran who rely transit to get me places safe. Thank you.
Mark;
I believe the bus was on detour due to the events in downtown L.A.
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source
I’m very sorry of this situation, Rest in Peace Mr. Thomas.
Also, sorry for this loss to the His family and his co-workers.
This is also means that we have to appreciate a lot these drivers that take us where we want to go safely, I have always respected these drivers since I started taking Metro buses which was back in 2005
. THANK YOU AGAIN to these Drivers, you guys are angels that take care of us 
.
My deepest condolences to the bus operator’s family and his fellow operators
Im sorry for the familes loss and that of the metro family. Sadly this is not the first time
Im sorry for the familes loss and for the metro family. Sadly this is not the first time a mta driver has been murdered on the job in the 1960s a driver was killed just days before retirement.