Vigil held for Culver Metropolis bus driver fatally shot by passenger – NBC Los Angeles
A Culver Metropolis bus driver who was shot and killed whereas on the job in Mar Vista earlier this week was remembered throughout a vigil on Saturday night.
Candles have been left on Centinela Avenue close to Mitchell Avenue in Mar Vista, the place 42-year-old Culver CityBus operator Bruce Rodriguez was shot whereas driving his route round 5:15 p.m. Thursday. Police say an intoxicated passenger argued with Rodriguez over a missed cease earlier than pulling out a gun and opening fireplace.
When officers arrived, Rodriguez was discovered unresponsive within the driver’s seat. He was taken to the hospital, the place he died from his accidents.
Rodriguez leaves behind his spouse, Sandy Sanchez, and their 6-month-old and 3-year-old sons.
“Bruce liked being a dad to our two little boys,” Sanchez stated. “He labored exhausting to look after us. For 12 years, he labored exhausting for the town of Culver Metropolis as a bus driver.”
His coworkers described him as sort and echoed his trait of being hardworking.
“Something you requested him to do, he did,” stated Jennifer Vance, Rodriguez’s coworker and buddy. “When you needed him to point out up and present out, he is going to try this. If you’d like him to be goofy, he’s going to try this. No matter you ask Bruce to do, he’s going to do it. I liked him. All of us liked him from Culver Metropolis.”
Police stated the taking pictures might have occurred over a missed cease. This video was broadcast in the course of the NBC4 Information at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
As Rodriguez’s family members proceed to recollect the person he was, they’re additionally demanding motion — calling for stronger security measures to guard bus drivers and forestall comparable tragedies.
“Let’s make adjustments so this does not occur once more,” stated Rodriguez’s brother, Rick. “To not my brother, to not some other driver or public servant. It does not matter who.”
Following the taking pictures, the mayor of Culver Metropolis introduced Culver CityBus service could be suspended all through the weekend. Disaster help providers have been additionally being supplied to employees.
The alleged shooter, 55-year-old Jose Zayas, was arrested and booked for homicide a day after the taking pictures. His bail was set at $3 million. No courtroom date was set as of Saturday evening.
