Shocking footage from the Charlotte Area Transit System shows how an argument between a bus driver and passenger turned into a shootout.
According to WSOC-tv, the shooting took place on May 18th when 22-year-old Omarri Shariff Tobias, allegedly tried to ride the bus without paying, which prosecutors said helped lead to the confrontation. The news outlet also says Tobias attempted to continue to get off the bus in between stops. After the argument began to escalate Tobias allegedly pulled out a gun and the bus driver also pulled out a gun, and they both started firing at each other.
In the footage you can see the bus driver, David Fullard, telling Tobias it’s not a designated stop and motions for him to get back. An the argument then starts. Then you can hear Tobias threatening Fullard. “I dare you. Touch me,” he said. “I dare you to touch me. I’m going to pop your a**!” After the incident the bus driver was fired. Charlotte Area Transit System released a statement saying that it’s against policy for an employee to have a weapon on CATS property or while performing their job. His attorney said he had the gun because like so many drivers, he didn’t feel safe on the job.
The transit system said Fullard didn’t properly deescalate the situation and was not allowed to bring a gun to work. The driver’s attorney, Ken Harris, said his client feared for his safety.
“I hear it from a lot of my clients. What they want to do is do their job, but they also want to get home,” Harris said.
He is not facing any charges for now. Tobias faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, communicating threats, and carrying a concealed firearm. He was given a $250,000 bond and was also banned from riding any type of CATS services.