Passenger Killed in South Los Angeles Shooting on Metro Bus NR24267ti

Vermont Vista: The Los Angeles Police Department's South Bureau Homicide detectives are investigating a hijacking and homicide incident involving a Metro bus. During the hijacking, the suspect shot a victim who was riding on the bus with a semi-automatic handgun.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at approximately 12:46 a.m., Southeast Area patrol officers responded to an "Unknown Trouble" radio call near South Figueroa Street and Manchester Boulevard involving a Metro bus. While enroute to the call, officers received an additional report of a "Man with a Gun" on the same bus.

Officers located the Metro bus at South Figueroa Street and West 117th Street. Upon finding the bus, they observed passengers running from it and seeking help from the officers.

The officers quickly learned from the passengers that there was an armed suspect on the Metrobus. They attempted to stop the bus but were unsuccessful, later discovering that the armed suspect had instructed the driver not to stop.

Southeast Area officers pursued the bus for approximately an hour through South Los Angeles. Multiple spike strips were deployed by officers during the pursuit, deflating several tires on the bus and ultimately causing it to stop at 6th Street and Alameda Boulevard.

When stopped, Southeast Area officers were assisted by members of the Los Angeles Police Department's Metropolitan Division, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel. SWAT personnel quickly observed that a victim was down inside the bus, formulated a tactical plan, and made entry without delay. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Officers rendered medical aid to the victim, who was suffering from gunshot wounds. The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene, provided aid to the victim, and transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The victim has been identified as a 48-year-old Hispanic male and a resident of Los Angeles. Investigators are currently in the process of notifying family members prior to releasing additional victim information.

Investigators located and recovered a semi-automatic handgun on the bus. The suspect has been identified as 51-year-old Lamont Campbell, a resident of Los Angeles. Campbell was arrested for murder and booked at the 77th Area Jail, where he is being held on a two-million-dollar bail.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact South Bureau Homicide Division detectives at 323-786-5100. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.