MARTA bus driver shot and killed at Decatur Station identified by police

DECATUR, Ga. - A MARTA bus operator was shot and killed in a dispute over fare payment at the Decatur MARTA station on Friday evening, according to MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher. 

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the Swanton Way bus circle. Chief Kreher said the agency’s emergency dispatch officer received a call reporting the shooting, and officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. 

"Our officers were dispatched, and we also had officers close to the station. Information went out over the police radio and to our partners in the area, including Decatur police," Kreher said.

The argument began as a dispute over fare evasion, escalating into a physical confrontation that ended with the bus operator being shot three times. The operator, a two-year veteran of MARTA's bus operations, succumbed to the injuries while being transported to the hospital. He was later identified as 47-year-old Leroy Ramos. 

Three suspects were involved in the altercation, according to Kreher. Two, who police say are juveniles, have been taken into custody, while the third remains at large. 

"We’re actively searching for the third suspect," Kreher said. "Decatur police have been fantastic partners and are assisting us in the search."

The shooting took place at the bus loop on the sidewalk near the station. Investigators are reviewing video evidence from both the station and the bus.

"We have very accurate and strong video evidence, so we feel like we’ll be able to close this case pretty quickly," Kreher stated.

The Decatur MARTA station was generally considered a safe area, Kreher emphasized. 

"Unfortunately, there are individuals in our community who feel they need to resolve disputes with firearms. Until society decides this is not the way to resolve issues, we’ll continue to see this violence," he said, expressing condolences to the victim’s family and the community. "This senseless violence has to end."

Authorities are withholding further details about the suspects in custody and the third suspect is still being sought as the investigation continues. Once additional information is available, including potential images of the outstanding suspect, officials plan to release updates to the public.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact MARTA police or Decatur authorities.