Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of Culver City bus driver in Mar Vista, LAPD says

MAR VISTA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Culver City bus driver, Los Angeles police said Friday.

The shooting happened around 5:15 p.m. Thursday near Centinela and Mitchell avenues in Mar Vista.

Police identified the suspect as 55-year-old Jose Zayas. He was arrested shortly after 2 p.m. Friday in the 3600 block of Motor Avenue, the LAPD said in a news release.

Zayas was arrested on suspicion of murder and his bond is set at $3 million.

Two witnesses on the bus told police they suspected a passenger was intoxicated when he began arguing with the driver over a missed stop.

LAPD Capt. Eric Eppolito said the suspect then pulled out a gun and shot the bus driver.

Responding officers found the victim unconscious in the driver’s seat of the bus, according to police.

The driver was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators said the victim was a man in his 40s, but his identity has not been released.

The suspect fled on a bicycle after the shooting, police said.

Video from the scene shows at least one apparent bullet hole through a bus window.

Following the shooting, Culver CityBus service was suspended until the weekend.

Culver City released a statement that read in part: “Our hearts are broken. Their loss will be felt throughout our city team…This loss is deeply personal to our Culver CityBus team and will be felt throughout our entire city organization.”

“Culver CityBus service will be suspended through the weekend as we honor this loss and give our team time to grieve. Our hearts are with the family, loved ones and colleagues during this devastating time,” the statement added. “When services resume, please be kind to our transit operators and team as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.”