L.A. Metro driver assault suspect arrested
Anthony Gamez was taken into custody on an Orange Line bus after the on-duty bus operator recognized him from photographs displayed on a “wanted” poster distributed earlier in the day.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announced the arrest of a man wanted in connection with the assault on a transit bus operator last Friday.
The suspect, Anthony Gamez, 24, was taken into custody on an Orange Line bus after the on-duty bus operator recognized Gamez from photographs displayed on a “wanted” poster distributed earlier in the day.
One of the reasons the operator identified the suspect was because he was apparently wearing the same clothing depicted in surveillance photos from Friday’s incident. The driver called the dispatch center and deputies from the Transit Services Bureau made the arrest. Sheriff’s detectives will be seeking Felony Battery charges.
The assault occurred Friday about 7:35 p.m. as the operator of the bus stopped at the corner of Ventura Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The patron engaged in a fare dispute with the operator and attacked the driver, knocking him unconscious. The injured operator was transported to a hospital and subsequently released.
Gamez is also being investigated in connection with another assault on a bus operator that occurred following Friday’s incident.
RELATED ARTICLE: Check out, "Transit systems coping with spike in violence against bus drivers."
More Bus
Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners
Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Read More →
Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year
Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.
Read More →
DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO
Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Read More →
AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders
The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.
Read More →
Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →
June LA Metro Ridership Surges 2 Million Year Over Year
Total June ridership increased for both weekdays and weekends. Weekday ridership was 953,820, which grew 8.4% from June 2025; Saturdays increased nearly 13% year-over-year to 708,826; and Sundays increased 7.7% to 611,534 from June 2025, according to LA Metro.
Read More →
Washington's Pierce Transit Board Sends Transit Funding Measure to November Ballot
With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within the agency’s service area.
Read More →
New York Unveils Sweeping Plan to Modernize City Bus Service
Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service identifies 50 priority bus corridors for improvements across the five boroughs and launches the City’s next generation of rapid bus service along five key routes.
Read More →