EAST LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A Metro train operator was shot today at the Indiana Station in East Los Angeles and hospitalized in stable condition, and the transit agency announced a $25,000 reward for information that leads to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the assailant.
The shooting occurred at 4:11 a.m. on the platform of the station, which handles the Metro L Line (formerly Gold Line) trains.
Investigators said a suspect walked up to the operator's cab window as the train came to a stop and fired twice through the glass. The operator ran through the train and the suspect fired two or three more shots before running off the platform and west onto Gleason Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The male suspect was wearing a white hat, gray hoodie, jeans and holding a black umbrella, according to the sheriff's department.
The victim, whose name was not released, was struck twice in what Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington called “a brazen act of violence against a defenseless Metro operator.''
“All our front-line operators are true heroes who provide an essential service for the traveling public during this pandemic,'' he said. “We will continue to support the operator and his family and will do everything we can to help bring this perpetrator to justice. We hope this reward gives anyone who may have seen this incident or who has any information the impetus to come forward.''
The shooting is being investigated by Metro Security and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, with the support of the Los Angeles Police Department.
“Our Metro workforce should never be forced to fear for their lives,'' said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti. “This act of senseless violence cannot -- and will not -- go unanswered. The perpetrator must be brought to justice, and all of our thoughts are with the victim of this attack, his family, friends, and loved ones.''
Metro will be posting reward notices on L Line trains and on its website. Anyone with information about the suspect are asked to call 888-950-SAFE or text 213-788-2777, or they can utilize the Metro Transit Watch App available on iPhone and Android platforms.