Video: Z5_Bus Hijacking_241631326_241631332

Update: 

The victim has been identified as Earnest Byrd Jr. (7/1965).

The suspect, Joseph Grier (8/1984), has been charged with Murder, 14 counts of Aggravated Assault, 14 counts of Kidnapping, Hijacking a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Previously released:

Preliminary information: On June 11, 2024, at approximately 4:35 p.m., Atlanta Police Zone 5 officers responded to a report of gunfire on a bus and a possible hostage situation near 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NE. Upon the officers’ arrival at the scene, the bus fled the location, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit spanned multiple jurisdictions and involved several agencies. During the pursuit, police employed various tactics to stop the bus. The bus ultimately came to a stop near 5107 Hugh Howell Rd. in Stone Mountain, GA.

The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Joseph Grier, was taken into custody without further incident. Upon clearing the bus, officers found an adult victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance in critical condition, where they succumbed to their injury. At the time of the incident, there were several other passengers on the bus. No further injuries were reported. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Please keep in mind that the information released is preliminary in nature and could change as the investigation progresses or new information comes to light. 

Incident Report: Case _ 241631326 - Combined Reports