A shocking video shows the moment a Charlotte bus driver and passenger opened fire on each other while the bus was still moving after arguing over an unauthorized stop.
Omarri Shariff Tobias, 22, was riding a Charlotte Area Transit System bus on May 18 when he stood up and asked the driver to let him off between officially designated stops.
According to a CATS press release, driver David Fullard told him this was not possible and he would have to wait for the next authorized stop.
After arguing for about two minutes, Tobias pulled out a firearm, according to the press release, and pointed it straight at Fullard.
However, Fullard also had a firearm, and both men fired at each other in “quick succession.”
Omarri Shariff Tobias, 22, was riding a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus on May 18 when he stood up and asked the driver to let him off between officially designated stops. He and the driver started firing guns at each other
CATS spokesman Brandon Hunter did not specify who fired first CNN.
Both men hit each other, Fullard in the arm and Tobias in the stomach.
Security footage from the bus showed Fullard eventually stopping the bus to push away the driver’s barrier, which had been shattered by the bullets.
Tobias begins to crawl to the back of the bus as Fullard fires another shot from the aisle.
Finally, Tobias got out the side door of the bus, but Fullard left the front door and fired at him again.
Both men are reportedly in stable condition and are expected to recover from their injuries.
The other two passengers on the bus at the time were not hit by gunfire or injured, according to CATS.
Fullard, who has not yet been charged in the incident, has been fired by the transit system’s bus companies.
Both men hit each other, Fullard in the arm and Tobias in the stomach
Security footage from the bus showed Fullard eventually stopping the bus to push away the driver’s barrier, which had been shattered by the bullets.
Finally, Tobias was able to exit the side door of the bus, but Fullard exited the front door and fired at him again.
He was fired because possession of a firearm or other weapon while on duty or on Company property is against their workplace policies. Employees can be fired with just one violation.
A spokesperson for the Charlotte Area Transit System said Fullard – a 19-year-old employee – was not following proper protocol.
“It would have been reasonable for the bus company to have tried to de-escalate the situation by allowing the suspect/passenger to exit the bus before arriving at the next bus stop,” their statement said.
Tobias was charged with assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury, carrying a concealed firearm and making threats.
Fullard’s attorney, Ken Harris, told CNN his client was “a dedicated employee and cherished his job.”
Both men are reportedly in stable condition and are expected to recover from their injuries
Fullard, who has yet to face charges in the incident, has been fired by the transit system’s bus companies
Tobias was charged with assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury, carrying a concealed firearm and making threats
“I have represented quite a few CATS drivers over the years. Some of them have been assaulted, shot at or shot at on the job,” he said in a statement.
They consider themselves civil servants. In light of their commitment, dedication and the workplace hazards they face, we have continually encouraged the CATS system to improve driver safety measures,” said Harris.
Tobias is being held in lieu of posting $250,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for June 6.
Charlotte area police are still investigating the case.