Share this @internewscast.com

DENVER — Police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened on an RTD bus at Federal and Mississippi Saturday night.

Denver police investigators said two men were shot, one of the victims died. On Monday, authorities said they were still working to develop suspect information.

“Unfortunately, I’m not surprised. I mean, we’ve had shootings on buses in the past and, and I’m really not surprised that that occurred,” said Ronald Short.

Short has been a bus operator for 24 years and enjoys his job.

“It’s been a great opportunity to be out there in the community and be a part of the community,” said Short.

But he said the things drivers have to put up with have changed drastically during that time.

“It could be a gambit of things,” said Short. “People just get on the bus unhinged. You don’t know where they’re coming from or what they dealt with. And then that operator’s just more or less in front of them is a target.”

Short, who’s also a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1001, where he serves as recording secretary, said he has witnessed a lot of things during his time as a bus operator, including violent physical assaults.

“I think safety needs to be drastically increased,” said Short.

RTD operates in eight counties and partners with local law enforcement agencies like Denver Police.

But it also has its own police force.

Last year, RTD police chief Joel Fitzgerald announced plans to triple the number of officers on the police force from 22 to 70, with the goal of reaching 140 by 2025.

RTD released data this past fall showing crime throughout its system had fallen for much of the year.

But this weekend’s shooting shows there’s more work to do to keep bus operators and their riders safe.

“I feel like RTD needs to step up to the plate,” said Short.

Denver Police say the second victim from this weekend’s shooting suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information should call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP(7867) or submit an anonymous tip online.


D7 follow up bar 2460x400FINAL.png

What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

71-Year-Old Brain Tumor Patient Assaulted During Dog Walk, Rescued by Good Samaritans, Daughter Reports

Jeff Zimmerman (left) with daughter Kiera Zimmerman (right) and their family dog…

Authorities Launch Search for Autistic Boy After Backpack Discovered Near Dock

Authorities in Indiana have activated a Silver Alert for a missing 16-year-old…

Father and Teen Son Charged in Tragic Shooting Death of 11-Year-Old Niece: Legal Proceedings Begin

A tragic incident in Ohio has led to charges against a 14-year-old…

Man Allegedly Uses Shotgun in Fatal Incident with Wife, Claiming She ‘Pushed Him to the Limit,’ Report Police

Share A man from West Virginia is accused of fatally shooting his…

Mother Faces Charges After Retaliatory Pool Incident at Family Resort: Understanding the Consequences

Background: News footage of the Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee, Fla. (WESH).…

Police Alert: Rising Oyster Thefts Highlight Dangers of Bargain Shellfish

A series of oyster thefts has prompted police to issue a caution…

Shocking Discovery: Razor Blades Found Hidden in Walmart Bread – What You Need to Know!

In a troubling incident last week, Mississippi authorities apprehended a woman accused…

Fugitive with Triple Warrants Caught with Over 200 Grams of Marijuana: A Shocking Arrest

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Early this morning, authorities apprehended 33-year-old Darinton…

Analyzing the Legal and Human Consequences of Rising Injury Claims in Florida

Photo courtesy of Pexels Florida consistently ranks among the states with the…

Cyclist Tragically Killed in Daytime Hit-and-Run Involving Hospital Employee Driving Untrained 20,000-Pound Truck: Lawsuit Alleges

Left inset: Alexander Rozos (Groce Funeral Home and Cremation Service). Right inset:…

Teenager with Developmental Challenges Disappears from Party, Raising Concerns of Foul Play

When Erica Bilheimer was just 10, she embraced a new identity with…

Tragic Turn: Man Shoots Partner Over Coin Dispute with Child in Car – Shocking Details Revealed

Inset: Alan Michael Mellow (Barry County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Missouri apartment…