Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Killing Passenger and Holding Bus Driver Hostage
A Los Angeles man accused of hijacking a Metro bus, killing a passenger, and holding its driver at gunpoint has been charged with murder and kidnapping, according to authorities. Lamont Campbell, 51, is facing a slew of felony charges following the violent September 25 incident that unfolded in South Los Angeles and led to an hour-long police chase.
Fatal Hijacking and Murder of Passenger
Prosecutors say Campbell boarded the Metro bus around 12:30 a.m. and quickly turned violent. Armed with a semi-automatic handgun, he shot and killed 48-year-old Anthony Rivera, a passenger who was on his way home from work. After the fatal shooting, Campbell allegedly threatened and robbed another passenger before taking control of the bus by holding the driver at gunpoint.
Rivera, a former National Guardsman, had been just blocks away from his home when the attack occurred. His family is devastated by the senseless act of violence. “All he wanted to do was get home safely, but he never made it,” said Sarah Beck, Rivera’s cousin.
Chase Through Downtown LA
With the bus driver, Dennis Contreras, forced to keep driving at gunpoint, the situation turned into a slow-moving police pursuit through downtown Los Angeles. The chase lasted for nearly an hour, ending only after officers successfully deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle. Authorities were able to safely rescue the driver and arrest Campbell without further incident.
The second passenger, who was also injured during the hijacking, has not been identified, but was released soon after the standoff.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Campbell was charged with murder, kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, and assault with a semi-automatic handgun, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. He will be arraigned on Tuesday. If convicted on all charges, Campbell faces a maximum sentence of 90 years, eight months to life in prison.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón highlighted Campbell’s extensive criminal history at a press conference, praising the bus driver’s calm and bravery throughout the terrifying ordeal.
Calls for Improved Transit Safety
The tragic event has sparked renewed calls for increased safety measures on public transportation. Metro CEO Stephanie Higgins emphasized the importance of safety for both passengers and Metro employees, stating, “Our 12,000 employees and nearly 1 million customers deserve to be safe as they travel to and from their destinations.”
Rivera’s family, heartbroken by his loss, also urged officials to implement stronger security measures to protect vulnerable transit users. “I just miss him dearly,” said his mother, Teresa Flores. “There’s so much I want to say and I just can’t. I’m dumbfounded they took my son. He’ll always be with me, he’s my heart.”
