Lamont Campbell Identified; – A man identified as Lamont Campbell, a 51-year-old resident of Los Angeles, has been accused of hijacking a bus and leading police on a lengthy pursuit while holding the driver at gunpoint, as reported by the LAPD.
Campbell faces murder charges following an alleged carjacking incident that occurred early Wednesday morning in southern Los Angeles, resulting in the death of a 48-year-old Hispanic man from the area, who was reportedly shot by Campbell using a semi-automatic handgun, according to law enforcement officials.
The situation unfolded around 12:46 a.m. when the Los Angeles Police Department received reports of a disturbance on a bus near the intersection of Manchester Street and Figueroa Street, as stated by Deputy Chief Donald Graham during a press briefing on Wednesday morning.
Upon locating the Metro bus at South Figueroa Street and West 117th Street, officers observed passengers fleeing the vehicle and seeking assistance. The LAPD reported that the officers quickly learned from the passengers about the presence of an armed individual on the bus and attempted to intervene, but were unable to do so as the suspect had instructed the driver to continue without stopping.
During the chase, officers deployed multiple spike strips, which successfully deflated several of the bus’s tires, ultimately bringing the vehicle to a halt at 6th Street and Alameda Boulevard, according to LAPD.
Authorities indicated that SWAT personnel quickly assessed the situation, noting a victim down inside the bus, and executed a tactical plan to enter the vehicle without delay. The suspect was apprehended without further incident.
Medical assistance was promptly provided to the victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds, before being transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, as confirmed by the LAPD.
While police have not disclosed a motive for the incident, they have stated that Campbell has been charged with murder and is currently being held at the 77th Area Jail with a bail set at $2 million. The investigation is ongoing.
