Full Breakdown
Fatal Shooting of a Culver CityBus Driver in Mar Vista
By Drooid · · How we work
What Happened
Around 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, a dispute erupted on a Culver CityBus at the intersection of South Centinela and Mitchell avenues in Mar Vista. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a male passenger—described as intoxicated—argued with the driver, a man in his 40s, over a missed stop. The passenger produced a firearm and shot the driver, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Two other passengers on the bus were unharmed. Police recovered video showing at least one bullet hole through a bus window, but the weapon was not found at the scene. The suspect, described as a white male, fled on a bicycle or on foot and remains at large.
Official Responses
Los Angeles Police Department Capt. The Culver City mayor, Freddy Puza, expressed grief for the victim, noting the driver’s dedication to the community and announcing that Culver CityBus service would be suspended throughout the weekend to allow staff time to mourn.
Witness Account
Katty Garcia, a resident who heard three gunshots, described arriving at the scene to find medics performing CPR on a man with a head wound. She said the scene “didn’t look good at all” and that she could not believe what she was witnessing.
Impact on Service
Culver CityBus announced a weekend suspension of service on the affected route, citing the need for the transit agency’s team to grieve and for investigators to secure the area. No additional routes were reported as disrupted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can ensure the public that we are on it, we are out here and we will stay on it until we find the individual responsible,” — Capt. Eric Eppolito
- “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,” — Freddy Puza, culver city mayor
- “Our hearts are with the family, loved ones and colleagues during this devastating time,” — Freddy Puza, culver city mayor
- “We have video that we are going through,” — Capt. Eric Eppolito