A third suspect in the fatal shooting of a MARTA bus driver last week in downtown Decatur has surrendered to police.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the juvenile suspect turned himself in Monday afternoon. He and two other juveniles are being charged as adults in the incident, which, according to police, stemmed from an argument over the $2.50 fare.
According to police officials, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, at Decatur Station. The driver and three juveniles argued outside the bus, and then one of the suspects pulled a gun and shot the driver, according to the police report.
The driver, identified as Leroy Ramos, 47, was rushed to the hospital but died of his injuries. A bystander also received a superficial wound from a ricocheting bullet and was also taken to a hospital for treatment.
Two of three suspects were apprehended by police the same night as the shooting, and the hunt continued for the third suspect police identified as the gunman.
Ramos’ union, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 732, released this statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our Brother Leroy Ramos and the passenger who was shot and injured. It is a very difficult day for our members,” said Local 732 President/Business Agent Britt Dunams. “A father of two daughters and a 7-year-old boy, Brother Ramos was only on the job for a few months after moving from New York. His murder is a tragedy. Our members should be able to go to work and come home safely each day. It is time for MARTA to ensure our members and riders are safe on our buses, our rail, at bus stops, and at transit centers.”
A GoFundMe account has been established to help Ramos’ family.