Crime
Miami-Dade Bus Driver Accused of Fatally Shooting Two Passengers Resigns
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A Miami-Dade Transit bus driver, accused of fatally shooting two passengers during an early morning incident, has officially resigned from his position, county officials confirmed this week.
The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, is currently under active investigation by Miami Gardens Police in coordination with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.
According to police, the fatal shootings took place near the intersection of Northwest 183rd Street and Seventh Avenue, outside a shopping plaza in Miami Gardens.
Authorities say an argument erupted after the bus driver refused to allow a man to board the bus with a Citi Bike, which the driver allegedly suspected was stolen.
The situation escalated when the passenger reportedly reached into a bag, prompting the driver to open fire.
Witnesses reported hearing six gunshots.
Two men were struck — 44-year-old Lonnie Harley, the man attempting to board the bus, and 46-year-old Ejaash Carter, a bystander who was already on board and not believed to be involved in the altercation.
Investigators believe Carter may have been struck by a stray bullet.
Both victims were airlifted in critical condition to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The bus driver, whose identity has not yet been released due to the ongoing investigation, was initially placed on administrative leave.
County officials stated that the process of termination was initiated shortly after the shooting. However, the driver opted to resign before the termination was finalized.
Miami-Dade Transit policy strictly prohibits all transit employees from carrying firearms while on duty.
A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works reiterated this, stating, “Drivers are not allowed to be armed.”
The driver was detained for questioning following the incident but has not been formally charged.
Miami Gardens Police and prosecutors are continuing to review the case to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video footage of the incident to contact Miami Gardens Police or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.