Young woman, age 18, shot dead aboard a Metro bus close to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); culprit vanishes from the crime scene.
In a tragic incident that occurred on Friday evening, an 18-year-old woman named Jasmine Mendez was shot inside a Metro Bus near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The shooting took place on Metro Bus Line 115 in Westchester around 10:47 p.m.
According to reports, the incident followed an altercation between Jasmine Mendez and a male passenger, aged 20. During the altercation, Jasmine Mendez reportedly used pepper spray. In response, the male passenger is said to have pulled out a gun and shot Jasmine Mendez.
The bus driver quickly responded by stopping the bus and allowing passengers to exit. Jasmine Mendez was found injured and transported to a local hospital, but later succumbed to her injuries.
At the moment, there are no search results providing information about the gunman or his whereabouts. The identity and current whereabouts of the shooter remain unknown.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday. However, anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted on the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers website.
A Metro spokesperson extended sympathies to the victim's family and friends and thanked the Los Angeles Fire and Police Departments for their prompt response.
This incident comes at a time when public transport safety is under scrutiny. Recently, a man was struck by a Metro A Line train in South-Central L.A., and a woman was arrested in a stabbing attack at a German train station. In New York City, police are working to identify a woman who was set ablaze in a subway.
The connection between Jasmine Mendez and the gunman remains unclear at this time. The LAPD continues to investigate the incident.
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