Additional Coverage:
A tragic incident unfolded as one individual lost their life in a bus hijacking event that led to a law enforcement chase across two counties in Georgia on Tuesday, officials reported.
The situation commenced at around 4:35 p.m. ET in the heart of Atlanta, triggered by a call to the police about shots fired on a Gwinnett County Transit bus, alongside reports of a potential hostage crisis, according to statements from the Atlanta Police Department.
The situation escalated when, upon arriving at the scene, the bus drove off, instigating a police pursuit, authorities detailed.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens revealed that the suspect coerced the bus driver at gunpoint to hijack the bus.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum mentioned that the bus had 17 occupants at the time, including the driver.
As the chase progressed, police were alerted by a 911 call from a passenger’s relative, who was receiving texts about the hijacking and the hostages being held against their will, Schierbaum shared in a Tuesday evening news briefing.
Another crucial 911 call came directly from the bus during the chase, remaining open to provide vital information that assisted in resolving the hostage situation, the chief added.
The chase extended through different areas, with law enforcement trying “various tactics” to halt the bus. The pursuit came to a stop near Stone Mountain in DeKalb County, about 16 miles from the incident’s start, after a SWAT team intervened and disabled the bus.
A SWAT vehicle was effectively used to block any potential escape routes, the DeKalb County Police Department stated.
Authorities apprehended a 39-year-old man from Stone Mountain without any further incidents. During a search of the bus, SWAT officers discovered a person with a gunshot wound.
This individual was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries, Atlanta police confirmed. The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, awaiting notification of next of kin.
Police are investigating to pinpoint the timing of the shooting, Schierbaum noted.
Officials have reported no other injuries from this event.
The investigation is still active, per Atlanta police communications.
This bus hijacking and shooting incident happened after an unrelated episode where gunfire erupted in a downtown Atlanta shopping center’s food court earlier on Tuesday, causing three injuries. An off-duty Atlanta police officer responded, wounding the armed individual involved.
Chief Schierbaum clarified that the suspect involved in the bus hijacking had boarded the bus near the shopping center but was not related to the food court shooting incident. Both suspects in these separate incidents have criminal records, he added.
Mayor Dickens condemned the day’s gun violence, attributing it to excessive firearm possession and usage. He expressed gratitude towards the responding law enforcement officers for their efforts in preventing what could have been an even more dire situation.