FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Two people were killed and two others were injured after a gunman opened fire Thursday afternoon aboard a county bus in Fort Lauderdale, police said.
The shooting occurred at 3:25 p.m. when Broward County Transit bus 22 was heading west along Broward Boulevard.
"The driver of that bus heard several gunshots. She continued westbound after hearing gunshots," acting Chief Luis Alvarez with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department said.
Alvarez said the shooter, identified as Jamal J. Meyers, 34, and the victims were all on board the bus.
Police spoke about the frantic moments a bus driver was able to make for her way to safety.
"As the bus was driving, it was pinned in and could not cross Broward Boulevard," he explained. "The driver then forced the county bus past the vehicle that was blocking her and forced its way in front of the police station."
An officer on an unrelated call was able to jump in and help.
"The officer came out to investigate. The suspect that was inside the bus stepped out and surrendered to the officer," Alvarez said.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and found four people shot, one of them was deceased and the other three were rushed to the hospital.
"One of those individuals transported to Broward Health had died from their injuries," Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Gallon said.
Everton Furtado, a resident who lives not far from the police station, expressed his concern.
"Honestly, it's very concerning. We live a couple of blocks from the police station. To be facing this kind of situation is very concerning," he said.
Alvarez said the bus driver's quick actions helped save lives.
"I can tell you the bus driver in this particular case, her quick actions I am sure saved lives. So, kudos to her. She deserves to be applauded for her actions," he said.
The bus was also involved in a crash with another vehicle while going to the police station.
Three people in the car were treated for minor injuries.
Meyers has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Police said additional charges are pending.
The motive in the shooting is still being investigated.
The deceased victims were identified as Gregory L. Campbell Jr., 32, of Lauderdale Lakes and Danny Colon, 41, of Tamarac.
Police said the identities of the surviving victims and any witnesses to the shooting are not being released at this time.
Detectives said they would like to speak to anyone who may have known or had contact with Meyers in the days leading up to the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Carlo Fargnoli at (954) 828-5539.
