A hijacked Gwinnett County Transit bus became the center of a harrowing ordeal resulting in one fatality and one arrest. Here’s what transpired during the chaotic events:

Gwinnett County Transit Bus Hijacking

The incident unfolded in Downtown Atlanta, where a fight erupted aboard a Gwinnett County Transit bus parked at 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NE. Shortly after a 4:30 p.m. press conference regarding an active shooter incident at The Hub at Peachtree Center, emergency calls flooded in about the altercation.

High-Speed Pursuit Across Jurisdictions

The situation escalated when the perpetrator, later identified as 39-year-old Joseph Grier, fired a shot, fatally injuring a passenger. He then coerced the bus driver into fleeing the scene, initiating a high-speed chase. Law enforcement pursued the bus through multiple jurisdictions, spanning from Downtown Atlanta to Norcross and ultimately stopping just east of Tucker.

Intense Pursuit and Arrest

Officers from Atlanta, DeKalb County, and Gwinnett County, alongside Georgia State Patrol troopers, joined the pursuit. Despite efforts to halt the bus using stop sticks, the chase continued into DeKalb County, where it eventually concluded on Hugh Howell Road. Grier was swiftly apprehended by authorities.

Identity and Criminal History of Suspect

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum identified the suspect as Joseph Grier, revealing his extensive criminal history, including previous arrests related to weapon offenses. Grier’s past includes convictions for aggravated assault and possession of weapons during criminal activities.

Eyewitness Accounts

During the ordeal, one passenger’s wife made a frantic call to her husband, recounting the chaos unfolding on the bus. Witnesses described the incident as gut-wrenching, highlighting the shock and terror experienced by those onboard.

Conclusion

The hijacking of the Gwinnett County Transit bus and the subsequent high-speed chase left a community shaken. As authorities piece together the events, the focus turns to understanding the circumstances leading to such a tragic outcome.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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