Introduction to the Incident
Police have identified the two passengers who were shot and killed by a Miami-Dade Transit driver on a bus in Miami Gardens over the weekend.
Lonnie Stephenwade Harley, 44, and Ejaash Bail Carter, 46, were killed in the shooting, Miami Gardens Police said in a brief statement Wednesday.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting happened shortly before 3 a.m. Sunday as the bus was in the area of Northwest 7th Avenue and 183rd Street.
Police said the bus driver was involved in some sort of disturbance involving a verbal dispute with passengers when he fired his weapon.
Investigation and Aftermath
"At this time, this is a sensitive case requiring careful consideration. We are working closely with the SAO and will provide updates as they become available," the statement read.
NBC6’s Chris Hush reports that authorities are not revealing the names of those involved citing an active investigation.
Harley and Cater were airlifted to Aventura Hospital where they died from their injuries.
There were other passengers on the bus at the time but no other injuries were reported.
Actions Taken Against the Bus Driver
The bus driver was detained for questioning but it’s unknown if charges will be filed.
Miami-Dade’s Department of Transportation said drivers are not supposed to be armed while on duty and said the bus operator was placed on administrative leave and was expected to be fired.
"The department has initiated the termination process as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement with the employee union," the department said in a statement Monday.
Conclusion
The incident has raised concerns about safety on public transportation and the protocols in place for handling disputes between drivers and passengers. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about what led to the tragic events.
FAQs
- Q: What happened on the Miami-Dade Transit bus?
A: Two passengers, Lonnie Stephenwade Harley and Ejaash Bail Carter, were shot and killed by the bus driver following a verbal dispute. - Q: Where did the shooting occur?
A: The shooting happened in the area of Northwest 7th Avenue and 183rd Street in Miami Gardens. - Q: What is the status of the bus driver?
A: The bus driver was detained for questioning and is expected to be fired by Miami-Dade’s Department of Transportation. - Q: Were there other injuries reported?
A: No, besides the two fatalities, there were no other injuries reported among the passengers. - Q: Is the investigation still ongoing?
A: Yes, the investigation is active, and authorities are working closely with the State Attorney’s Office to determine the next steps.
