LASD and Metro announce arrest of suspect who allegedly assaulted bus operator

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The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Metro today announced the arrest of a Reseda man wanted in connection with the assault on a transit bus operator last Friday, May 10, 2013. The suspect, Anthony Gamez, 24, was taken into custody at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2013 on an Orange Line bus after the on-duty bus operator recognized Gamez from photographs displayed on a “wanted” poster distributed earlier in the day.

One of the reasons the operator identified the suspect was because he was apparently wearing the same clothing depicted in surveillance photos from Friday’s incident. The driver called the dispatch center and deputies from the Transit Services Bureau made the arrest at Canoga Avenue and Oxnard Street in Van Nuys. Sheriff’s detectives will be seeking Felony Battery charges.

The assault occurred Friday about 7:35 p.m. as the operator of the bus stopped at the corner of Ventura Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The patron engaged in a fare dispute with the operator and attacked the driver, knocking him unconscious. The injured operator was transported to a hospital and subsequently released.

Gamez is also being investigated in connection with another assault on a bus operator that occurred Monday, May 13, 2013 at 1:40 p.m. at Fallbrook Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard in West Hills under similar circumstances as Friday’s incident.

Categories: Safety

6 replies ›

  1. Correct me if I am wrong-but I believe assualt on public transit operators are now FEDERAL OFFENSES, yes? Prosecute accordingly, and OVERWHLEMINGLY!

  2. Congratulations on the fast arrest!
    The lunatic should be put to jail, without ever being released. Those animals should be kept locked-up from the public.

  3. On reading my posted statement about the “accused/suspect” Anthony Gamez, I want to clarify that “you” in my rant is not intended to be anyone at Metro. It’s intended to be any potential judge or juror for the trial which Anthony Gamez is entitled to, and any attorney who can face himself or herself in the mirror when defending Anthony Gamez.

  4. That D-8 operator should be commended for being on the ball. Apparently he had a thing for bus operators. This may have prevented a future attack.

  5. This creep is deeply disturbed. He has no regard for public safety,  and utter disregard for the driver who is doing a difficult job.   Our society runs on trust and respect.  One assault is one too many, and two in one week? Get outta here!   Issue a No Bail warrant, and throw the book at him.     I doubt he is “rehabilitatable.” Whatever it costs us to warehouse him, costs us less than letting him loose.

    If you want to take a chance on him, host him in YOUR house, among YOUR family and friends.          

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