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DART Bus Operator Shot, Killed Outside His Home

LANCASTER, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - A DART bus operator was shot and killed on the sidewalk outside his home in Lancaster Tuesday morning.

Larry Hearn, who had just turned 60 this month, was working a spilt-shift and went home during a break when he was murdered in the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue around 10:00 a.m.

There is no word on a suspect yet.

Larry Hearn
Larry Hearn (courtesy: Hearn family)

Hearn's family is in disbelief saying they don't know who could kill the man they knew as Uncle Larry.

"I didn't believe it because I was like, 'Not Larry, because he's not that type of dude.' I don't know what happened," said the victim's brother-in-law Titus Smith.

Nephew Cameron Wafer said Hearn had a bigger than life personality and always had a smile on his face.

"I was heart broken and devastated. Not thinking it would happen to him. Not uncle Larry. I can't think of any enemy he would have in the world," said Wafer.

"He's never complained about him being a bus driver for DART," said Smith. "He always did it...took pride in his work." 

Larry Hearn
Larry Hearn on the job

"All of us at DART are saddened by this news. We are making grief counseling services available to his colleagues. We extend our sympathy to his family," said DART spokesperson Morgan Lyons.

Lancaster Police detectives are asking for anyone with information to contact the Lancaster Police Department at 972-218-2711.

Meantime, investigators are reviewing neighbors' surveillance video for any possible leads.

On Wednesday, police said detectives have secured and initiated search warrants on the victim's residence, vehicle and cell phone to gather additional evidence on the crime.

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