An Atlanta bus driver can count on to come back involved with rowdy passengers who’re irritated after a protracted day of labor and will choose an argument. Nevertheless, one specific driver ended up in a horrifying scenario over bus fare that got here to a deadly outcome.
Leroy Ramos, 47, was taking his bus on its common route downtown on the Decatur MARTA station simply two days after New Years Day when he encountered a bunch of unruly teenagers. He’d simply begun working with MARTA in October, making a repute as a good friend to his co-workers in that brief span of time, per the bus company’s CEO Collie Greenwood.
WSB-TV stories that whereas on the station, three teenagers engaged in an argument with Ramos as a result of they refused to pay their $2.50 bus fare for the experience. Issues acquired heated as one teen threatened to spit on Ramos. Ultimately, the three acquired right into a bodily altercation, per the Fulton Neighbor.
Whereas one MARTA worker tried to carry Ramos again, one teen in a pink hoodie escalated issues even additional. Authorities say the child pulled out a gun and fired eight instances towards Ramos, putting him fatally.
Two of the teenagers have been arrested on the scene and charged with homicide. The third acquired away however finally turned himself in to Dekalb County Police on Jan 6. and was additionally charged with homicide. Whereas the teenagers are being held accountable for his or her alleged actions, MARTA launched a press release to WSB-TV suggesting Ramos shouldn’t have engaged with them.
“MARTA has a strict de-escalation coverage designed to guard operators from violence that features not partaking with prospects past the scope of their place as bus operator and leaving enforcement of guidelines to MARTA Police,” the company stated.
Ramos’ household organized a GoFundMe to face towards violence and likewise assist his household as he left a spouse and youngsters behind.
“This tragic incident occurred over a fare dispute that resulted in us shedding a life that was price a lot greater than $2.50! Our household is enduring this mindless act of violence firsthand and mourns the lack of a soul that was treasured and so priceless to us, 3 days into the brand new 12 months,” learn the household’s submit.