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Deadly Bus Hijacking Incident Transpires in Atlanta
A fatal incident in Atlanta on Tuesday arose from a gunman hijacking a commuter bus with 17 passengers. This prompted a lengthy police pursuit that extended across various counties during peak traffic hours, according to confirmed reports.
Suspect Captured and Victim Identified
The Atlanta Police Department held a press conference on Tuesday where its chief, Darin Schierbaum revealed that the suspect, known as Joseph Grier, 39 years old, has been apprehended. The police refrained from revealing the deceased victim’s identity, who was later announced to have succumbed at the hospital due to a gunshot injury.
Hostage Situation Untangles
Initial reports to 9-1-1 from downtown Atlanta indicated a hostage crisis and potential shots being fired on the commuter bus at 4:35 pm, informs Chief Schierbaum. Upon reaching the scene, the bus escaped when officers intercepted the suspect, setting off a high-speed chase assisted by local law enforcement. The chase engaged multiple counties, stickled by several local news agencies. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens mentioned that the bus driver was coerced at gunpoint during a press briefing.
According to Chief Schierbaum, a subsequent 9-1-1 call was made by a relative of one of the passengers reporting the hijacking and disclosing that passengers were held hostage. A third 9-1-1 call originated from within the hijacked bus which stayed connected throughout the pursuit.
Coordination of Emergency Response
The continuous communication established via this call was coordinated with the Atlanta Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, and local enforcement agencies in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties, aiding in the termination of the pursuit, as credited by Chief Schierbaum.
Aftermath of the Hijacking Incident
Reports identified the hijacked vehicle as a Gwinnett County Transit bus, which, according to Chief Schierbaum, held 17 passengers inclusive of the driver. Upon securement of the bus, officers discovered an adult victim critically injured from a gunshot. This victim was rushed to the hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Authorities made it clear that apart from the fatality, no other passenger sustained injuries.
Chief Schierbaum provided information regarding the gunman who resides in Stone Mountain, Georgia, who has a felony record consisting of 19 prior arrests. This individual, therefore, should not have been in the possession of a firearm.
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