Police: 1 Dead, 1 Critical After Double Shooting On Downtown Minneapolis Bus; Suspect Charged
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Prosecutors have charged a man following a deadly shooting on a Metro Transit bus Thursday night in downtown Minneapolis.
Malcolm James Lessley, 26, has been charged with second-degree murder, according to court documents.
Police say it happened around 9:30 p.m. near 1st Avenue and 9th Street, just down the block from Target Center.
Court records say Lessley got on a Metro Transit bus somewhere in North Minneapolis.
Police reviewed surveillance video and it shows that Lessley moved toward the middle seating area and his first victim was at the rear of the bus. They appeared to talk to each other and at one point Lessley moved back several seats, took out a handgun and shot the man in his face, killing him.
As Lessley walked off the bus he shot another man in the side of the head who was standing next to the door.
The shooter then fled the bus and headed east.
Officers later tracked the suspect down and arrested him on 9th Street and Nicollet Mall without incident. A gun was also recovered.
Investigators are trying to figure out if the shooter and victims knew each other.
The critically injured victim was taken to the Hennepin Healthcare where he is expected to survive his injuries.
Amalgamated Transit Union local 1005 president Ryan Timlin says the driver of the C line bus was concerned something would happen on his route.
"We were trying to get arguing to get the police presence on there for issues happening," Timlin said.
This deadly shooting comes on the heels of metro transit light rail drivers, telling lawmakers how unsafe they feel while doing their jobs.
"We do hope they listen," Timlin said.
Timlin hopes lawmakers act to change a law that will allow other officers, not just metro transit officers, to physically monitor activities on buses and trains. He believes that could help keep all who ride the metro transit safe.
This is the second time in about two weeks that a Metro Transit vehicle has been involved in a homicide. A man died on Jan. 23 after being stabbed on the METRO Blue Line train -- the first homicide connected to the light rail in its 15-year history.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted at CrimeStoppersMN.org.