LAPD arrests suspect in deadly shooting of Culver City bus driver

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Los Angeles police arrested the passenger accused of fatally shooting a Culver City bus driver in Mar Vista last night.

The Los Angeles Police Department said the shooting happened at about 5:15 p.m. near the intersection of South Centinela and Mitchell Avenues in Mar Vista. Investigators said four people were on the bus, including the driver and suspect Jose Zayas, 55.

Witnesses told officers that the passenger argued with the bus driver about missing a turn before pulling a gun out of a backpack and shooting the driver. 

The roughly 40-year-old driver was taken to the hospital, where he later died, according to police.

Investigators said the suspect ran off the bus and grabbed his bicycle after the shooting. He was gone when police arrived.

Officers located and arrested Zayas nearly a day later in the 3600 block of Motor Avenue. He was booked for murder and will be held a $3 million bail.

Detectives plan to present the case to the LA County District Attorney's Office early next week.

The deadly shooting led city staff to suspend bus service through the weekend to "honor this loss and give our team time to grieve."

"We have lost a deeply valued member of our City family to a senseless act of violence," said Mayor Freddy Puza. "We are grieving the loss of someone who dedicated their time and talents to serving Culver City and who made a meaningful difference through that service every day."

Local News, Crime, Syndicated Local, Los Angeles