The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has announced charges against the man who allegedly killed a passenger while hijacking a plane Metrobus last week.
District Attorney George Gascón indicted Lamont Campbell51, with 12 felonies in addition to an enhancement of use of a gun during a felony. The charges include murder, carjacking, assault, attempted murder and four kidnappings.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 90 years to life in prison.
“Holding the person who committed this heinous crime accountable for their actions is an important step in helping prevent further crime in our system,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins.
Campbell was taken into custody in lieu of $2 million bail.
The hijacking began around 1 a.m. last Wednesday at the intersection of Figueroa Street and Manchester Avenue in South Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Campbell allegedly got on the bus and began arguing with the driver.
After the argument, Campbell allegedly held the driver at gunpoint while some passengers ran from the bus. Investigators said there were two more passengers on the bus.
The driver managed to press the onboard panic button, causing the bus’ display to show “Emergency” and “911 Call Police” instead of the route.
Over the next hour, Campbell allegedly held the driver at gunpoint as officers chased the bus into downtown LA. First responders threw several spike strips during the chase, causing the bus to slow and come to a stop near Sixth and Alameda streets.
With three hostages on board, police said Campbell refused to surrender until SWAT officers used less-than-lethal ammunition to take him into custody.
When officers ended their search for the bus, they found the bus 48-year-old Anthony Riverawho later died of a gunshot wound. Investigators believe Campbell shot him when the incident began.
Rivera’s family said he was heading home after finishing a shift at Dodger Stadium.
“He served in the National Guard, he worked for LAUSD. He recently had a job at Dodger Stadium,” said Sarah Beck, another cousin.
