A Georgia bus driver was fatally shot in a dispute over a $2.50 fare, per PEOPLE.
On Friday (Jan. 3), Leroy Ramos was working his bus route for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) when an argument ensued between him and a group of three juveniles at Decatur Station. Police said the group refused to pay the bus fare of $2.50. The argument escalated as one teen threatened to spit on Ramos and another pulled out a gun and shot the bus driver multiple times.
Two juveniles were immediately arrested. The third, who is the suspected shooter, initially fled but turned himself into DeKalb County Police on Monday (January 6). The trio are facing murder charges.
Ramos’ family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to support loved ones and rally for gun violence as well as safe working conditions for service workers.
“Leroy Ramos wasn’t just a bus driver; he was a loving husband, a loving father, but overall, he was a kind-hearted person who came from humble beginnings, experienced all types of adversity at such a young age, and still prevailed,” the GoFundMe reads. “He was the type of man that would show up for anyone and everyone, even if he didn’t know them. Just one call or encounter, and he would sacrifice his last to help! A man who valued life itself; just the little things in life made him feel whole.”
The Amalgamated Transit Union also released a statement in the wake of Ramos’ death.
“The murder of Brother Ramos is a brutal reminder that it is long overdue for our transit agencies and elected officials to make real changes to ensure our members and riders are safe on our public transit systems,” ATU International President John Costa said.
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