A shocking video shows the moment a Charlotte bus driver and passenger opened fire on one another with the bus still in motion after they argued with one another over an unauthorized stop.
Omarri Shariff Tobias, 22, was riding a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus on May 18 when he got up and asked the driver to let him get off in between officially designated stops.
According to a press release from CATS, driver David Fullard told him that was not possible and he would have to wait for the next authorized stop.
After arguing for about two minutes, Tobias pulled out a firearm, according to the press release, and pointed it right at Fullard.
Fullard, however, also had a firearm and both men shot at one another ‘in rapid succession.’
Omarri Shariff Tobias, 22, was riding a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus on May 18 when he got up and asked the driver to let him get off in between officially designated stops. He and the driver began firing guns at one another
CATS spokesperson Brandon Hunter did not designate who shot first, according to CNN.
Both men hit one another, with Fullard struck in the arm and Tobias hit in the abdomen.
Security footage gathered from the bus shows Fullard eventually stopping the bus to push away the driver barrier, which was shattered by the bullets.
Tobias starts crawling toward the rear of the bus as Fullard fires another shot from the aisle.
Eventually, Tobias was able to get out the side door of the bus, but Fullard exited out the front door and fired at him again.
Both men were reported in stable condition and are expected to recover from their injuries.
The other two passengers on the bus at the time were not hit by gunfire or injured, according to CATS.
Fullard, who has yet to be charged in the incident, has been fired by the transit system’s bus operators, RATP Dev.
Both men hit one another, with Fullard struck in the arm and Tobias hit in the abdomen
Security footage gathered from the bus shows Fullard eventually stopping the bus to push away the driver barrier, which was shattered by the bullets
Eventually, Tobias was able to get out the side door of the bus, but Fullard exited out the front door and fired at him again
He was let go because possessing a firearm or any other weapon while either on duty or on company property is against their workplace policy. Employees can be fired with just one violation.
A spokesman for the Charlotte Area Transit System said Fullard – a 19-year employee did not follow the correct protocol.
‘It would have been reasonable for the operator to attempt to de-escalate the situation by allowing the suspect/passenger to exit the bus before arriving at the next bus stop,’ their statement said.
Tobias was charged with assault with a deadly weapon that inflicted serious injuries, carrying a concealed firearm and communicating threats.
Fullard’s attorney Ken Harris told CNN that his client was ‘a dedicated employee and treasured his employment.’
Both men were reported in stable condition and are expected to recover from their injuries
Fullard, who has yet to be charged in the incident, has been fired by the transit system’s bus operators, RATP Dev
Tobias was charged with assault with a deadly weapon that inflicted serious injuries, carrying a concealed firearm and communicating threats
‘I have represented a substantial number of CATS drivers over the years. Some of whom who have been assaulted, shot at or shot during their work activity,’ he said in a statement.
‘They consider themselves public servants. In light of their commitment, dedication and the workplace dangers that they encounter, we have continuously encouraged the CATS system to enhance security measures for drivers,’ Harris said.
Tobias is being held in lieu of making $250,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for June 6.
Charlotte-area police are still investigating the case.
