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.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.