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Two men died early Sunday morning after the driver of a Miami Dade public transport bus opened fire on them during an argument while the vehicle was parked, authorities reported.
According to the Miami Gardens Police Department, at approximately 2:50 a.m., officers responded to the area of Northwest 183rd Street and NW Seventh Avenue, at the corner of a shopping center, after receiving a 911 call about an altercation on a Miami-Dade Transit bus.
The police report revealed that the bus driver became involved in a dispute with two passengers who were on board, and during the incident, he pulled out a weapon and shot at them.
Both men were transported by helicopter to HCA Florida Hospital in Aventura, in critical condition, and later died due to their injuries.
The driver was arrested. In a preliminary report, the police stated that the passengers did not shoot at the driver and were continuing to investigate why the detained individual decided to fire at them.
The authorities have not yet revealed the names of the three individuals involved in the fatal shooting.
Diana Delgado, spokesperson for the Miami Gardens police, told the media that "this was an isolated incident. I don’t think the community should be afraid."
"It was an altercation between the driver and the victims. At this time, we do not have complete information to affirm that our community or any passenger should be afraid to take a bus," he stated.
The spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works, Juan Mendieta, told Miami Herald that firearms are prohibited as a self-defense measure for county bus drivers. "Transit operators are not allowed to be armed," he emphasized.
The Miami newspaper noted that the driver was arguing with a passenger over a bicycle, but it was unclear whether the altercation involved the two individuals who were later shot by him.
According to the report, the incident involved bus number 77 from Miami-Dade, which operates overnight on the route between Miami Gardens and the Government Center transit station in downtown Miami. This is one of the most frequently used bus routes in the county: during the week, it serves an average of 10,000 passengers, while on Sundays, it accommodates about 4,000.
The shooting is under investigation by the homicide unit of the Miami Gardens Police Department. As of Sunday afternoon, the agency had not announced any charges.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shooting on a Miami-Dade Bus
What happened in the Miami-Dade bus shooting?
The driver of a Miami-Dade bus shot at two passengers during an argument, resulting in their deaths. The incident occurred while the bus was parked in Miami Gardens, and the driver has been arrested by authorities. An investigation into the motives behind the shooting is underway.
What safety measures are in place for bus drivers in Miami-Dade?
According to the spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works, transit operators are not allowed to carry firearms as a means of self-defense. The use of weapons is prohibited to ensure the safety of all passengers and public transportation staff.
What is the security situation in Miami Gardens, where the shooting took place?
Miami Gardens has experienced an increase in violent incidents, similar to other recent shootings in the area. However, authorities describe the shooting on the bus as an isolated incident and have emphasized that it should not instill fear in the community or public transport passengers.
What was the cause of the altercation that led to the shooting on the bus?
The bus driver was arguing with a passenger over a bicycle, although it's unclear whether this altercation involved the two individuals who were shot. Authorities continue to investigate the details of the incident.
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