A Los Angeles train operator was the victim. File photo.
Photo: Aurelia Ventura / Impremedia / La Opinion
–
Los Angeles authorities have offered a $ 35,000 reward to whom you give information that leads to the identification and capture of the person responsible for shooting and wounding a Metro public transport operator.
The incident occurred at dawn this Friday on the platform of the Indiana station of the Metro angelino, located east of Los Angeles. The driver received two bullet wounds and so far he is hospitalized in stable condition.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the gunman apparently walked up to the window where the operator of Metro Line L train, stopped and fired twice at the glass.
After that, the operator tried to run through the train, but the suspect pulled the trigger two or three more times before fleeing the platform onto Gleason Avenue, according to information from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.LASD).
Plz take a look at this updated flyer that includes information regarding rewards being offered. If you have info re this crime plz call (324)563-5041 pic.twitter.com/VcmznrIBvK
— LASD Transit Services Bureau (@TransitLASD) January 31, 2021
During the afternoon of January 29, the transit agency announced a reward of $ 25,000. After that, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solís – who is also on the Metro Board – added $ 10,000 to contribute to the effort.
“It is to ensure that the responsible individual is brought to the authorities for this heinous act against someone who was providing a crucial service to our community,” he said.
At the time of the attack, The suspect was wearing a gray hooded sweater, blue jeans, and was carrying a black umbrella, according to the LASD.
The victim, whose name was kept anonymous, was injured twice “in a blatant act against a Metro operator who was defenseless,” said the CEO of that entity, Phillip A. Washington.
“All our operators, who are working on the front line, are true heroes … They are the ones who provide an essential service in public transportation during this pandemic, “Washington added.
“We will continue to support the operator and his family and we will do everything we can to bring the perpetrator to the hands of justice… We hope that this reward will give whoever has seen or has data of what happened, the motivation to offer the information [que se necesita]”.
Read more: Latina arrested for stabbing to death of Los Angeles Metro worker
The shooting is being investigated by Metro security, the LASD and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
“Our Metro workforce would never have to fear for their lives,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who is also a member of the Metro Board.
“This act of senseless violence cannot and will not remain without answers … The culprit must be brought to justice. All our thoughts are now with the victim, his family, friends and loved ones, “he added.
Metro plans to post reward information on Line L trains and on its web portal.
If you have information call 1 (888) 950-7233, text 1 (213) 788-2777 or you can also use the Metro Transit Watch mobile app, which is available for iPhone and Android phones.
– .
