Accused Los Angeles bus hijacker charged with murder, kidnapping
Authorities have pressed charges against a man suspected of hijacking a city bus in Los Angeles, including murder, kidnapping, and a string of other offences. Lamont Campbell, aged 51, has been accused of a series of felonies related to the hijacking, such as carjacking, assault with a semi-automatic handgun, robbery, and being in possession of a firearm as a felon, as per Los Angeles county prosecutors.
The incident, which took place last Wednesday, saw Campbell allegedly kill a passenger, identified as 48-year-old Anthony Rivera, and hold the bus driver at gunpoint. Reports indicate that he shot and killed Rivera, who was on his way home from work, and also threatened and robbed another passenger on board.
According to prosecutors, Campbell boarded the Metro bus in South Los Angeles around 12:30 a.m. on September 25th. He then directed the driver at gunpoint through downtown LA, engaging in a slow chase with police cars for about an hour until authorities were able to stop the bus using spike strips, leading to a hostage rescue operation. While one passenger sustained injuries and was promptly released, their identity has not been disclosed.
Metro CEO Stephanie Higgins emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of both employees and the approximately 1 million customers who rely on public transport for their daily commutes and activities. Los Angeles district attorney George Gascon highlighted Campbell’s extensive criminal record during a press conference, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Officials also praised the bus driver, Dennis Contreras, for his courage and presence of mind throughout the ordeal.
In a poignant statement, Rivera’s family shared their grief, revealing that he was just a few blocks away from home when the tragic event unfolded. Describing Rivera as a former national guardsman who had completed a long shift as a parking lot attendant at Dodger Stadium, his cousin, Sarah Beck, lamented his untimely passing. Rivera’s mother, Teresa Flores, expressed her profound loss and called for enhanced safety measures to protect passengers using public transportation.
Campbell is set to be arraigned on Tuesday, and if convicted on all charges, he could face a maximum sentence ranging from 90 years and eight months to life imprisonment. The devastating incident has left a community in mourning and underscored the critical need for vigilance and security measures to safeguard public transport users.