Gunman hijacks Atlanta bus : “Gunman hijacks bus, leads police on Atlanta chase”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Atlanta bus hijacking
2. Police car chase suburbs Atlanta

Stay informed with the latest headlines from across the US delivered straight to your inbox each weekday. In Atlanta, a gunman hijacked a bus, leading police on a dramatic car chase through the city and neighboring suburbs. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Joseph Grier, fatally shot one person before being apprehended. The chaotic scene unfolded as the bus driver was held at gunpoint, sparking a high-speed pursuit captured on television. The incident followed a separate shooting at a downtown food court just hours earlier. Officials are investigating both incidents while emphasizing the need to address gun violence in the community.

**Gunman Hijacks Bus in Atlanta Leads Police on Car Chase**

One person tragically lost their life after a gunman took control of a bus in Atlanta, sparking a dramatic car chase that stretched from the city into nearby suburbs. The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon when 39-year-old convicted felon Joseph Grier hijacked a commuter bus with 17 passengers on board. The harrowing ordeal began near downtown Atlanta, leaving passengers scrambling to contact loved ones and emergency services for help.

**Police Response and Chase**

Upon receiving the initial distress call, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum sprang into action, arriving at the scene within minutes. Confronting the armed perpetrator, an officer found themselves face-to-face with Grier, who then held the bus driver at gunpoint and forced the vehicle to speed away. The ensuing car chase, captured on live television, showcased the Gwinnett County Transit bus weaving through rush hour traffic and colliding with multiple vehicles along the way.

**Dramatic Capture**

Despite the chaos, a quick-thinking passenger managed to stay on the line with 911 dispatchers, providing crucial information to authorities throughout the pursuit. Mayor Andre Dickens likened the scene to a Hollywood movie, as the suspect held the bus driver hostage at gunpoint, warning against stopping the bus. The unfolding events bore a striking resemblance to the plot of the 1994 thriller film “Speed.”

**Arrest and Investigation**

The intense chase eventually came to an end in DeKalb County, where police successfully apprehended Grier. Armed with a handgun, the convicted felon was swiftly taken into custody. Tragically, a passenger on board the bus sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries. The victim’s identity has not yet been disclosed.

**Related Incident**

Coincidentally, the bus hijacking occurred just hours after a separate shooting at a downtown Atlanta food court. A 34-year-old suspect fired upon three individuals before being neutralized by an off-duty police officer. Despite sustaining injuries, all parties involved in the food court shooting are expected to recover. Police have confirmed that there is no apparent connection between the two incidents.

**Mayor’s Response**

Following the day’s violent events, Mayor Dickens addressed the media, emphasizing the need for stricter gun control measures. While acknowledging a decrease in overall violent crime in Atlanta, he underscored the urgency of preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands. The mayor’s sentiments echoed a growing concern over gun violence in the city, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures.

**Ongoing Investigation**

In the aftermath of the bus hijacking, a joint investigation is underway, spearheaded by the Atlanta Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the full extent of the incident and bring justice to those affected by the tragic events. The community remains on high alert as law enforcement continues to piece together the details surrounding the unsettling ordeal.