"Let Me Off Now"... Shootout Between Driver and Passenger on US Bus

Passenger Draws Gun After Illegal Refusal to Disembark, Driver Responds
Passenger to Face Trial... Driver Immediately Fired

An incident occurred in the United States where a driver and a passenger on a bus got into an argument and then drew firearms, leading to a shootout.

On the 28th (local time), local media including CNN reported the shooting incident that took place around 11 a.m. on the 18th in North Carolina, along with video footage.

Omar Sharif Tobias (22), a bus passenger, demanded the bus driver to allow him to get off illegally while the bus was passing near the Charlotte Premium Outlets. However, the driver, David Pollard, refused the request, saying, "Get off at the next stop."

The two then argued for about two minutes, and suddenly Tobias pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Pollard. Pollard also drew his gun and fired at Tobias, resulting in a shootout. During the shootout, Tobias fled through the bus's side door, and Pollard chased him out the front door, continuing to shoot.

In the process, Tobias was shot in the abdomen, and Pollard was shot in the arm. However, both are reported to be in stable condition with no life-threatening injuries. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) stated, "Both individuals are currently stable and expected to recover soon." There were two other passengers on the bus who were unharmed.

Gunfight scene on the bus featured in the movie 'Bus 657'.
[Image source=Naver Movie]

A CATS official added, "It has not been determined who fired first." The suspect, Tobias, is currently in custody and is expected to appear in court soon.

Pollard, a veteran with 19 years of experience, was reportedly fired immediately due to this incident. The reason for dismissal was violating company regulations prohibiting possession of firearms and weapons during work. CATS stated, "An employee can be fired for violating this rule even once."

However, Ken Harris, Pollard's attorney, countered, "I have defended CATS drivers for years, some of whom have been assaulted or shot at while on duty." He added, "We have been requesting CATS to continuously strengthen security and safety measures for drivers," signaling a potential lawsuit.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden has recently called on Congress to pass stronger gun laws to prevent recurring shootings.

According to local media including the political news outlet Politico, on the 24th, marking the first anniversary of the Texas elementary school shooting, President Biden spoke at a memorial event held at the White House. He raised his voice, saying, "Too many schools and too many everyday places across communities nationwide have become 'killing fields'."

He also strongly criticized gun manufacturers. President Biden stated, "The gun industry is the only business legally protected even when it takes lives on a massive scale," and called on Congress to pass legislation to end such immunity.