Viral Video Shows Charlotte Bus Driver Exchanging Gun Fire With Passenger After Dispute

The pair opened fire on one another aboard a Charlotte transit bus earlier this month. Both sustained injuries and are in stable condition.

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A shocking video has gone viral featuring a Charlotte bus driver exchanging gunfire with a passenger during a dispute earlier this month.

CNN reports the argument ensued after the passenger, identified as Omarri Shariff Tobias, got up between stops and requested that the driver, David Fullard, let him off. Fullard told Tobias that he'd have to wait until the next stop to get off the bus.

Although it's unclear who shot their weapon first, video of the incident shows both men exchanging shots while the bus was in motion. Fullard was hit in the arm and Tobias was struck in the abdomen, leaving both men injured. Fullard and Tobias are in stable condition, and are both expected to recover.

Tobias was charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, communicating threats, and carrying a concealed firearm, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. It has yet to be reported whether Fullard will be charged with anything. However, RATP Dev, which employs the transit system’s bus operators, has since fired Fullard.

The transit service told CNN that Fullard did not operate according to protocol.

“It would have been reasonable for the operator to attempt to de-escalate the situation by allowing the suspect/passenger to exit the bus before arriving at the next bus stop,” the transit system said.

Meanwhile, Fullard's attorney, Ken Harris, maintained that his client, who was employed for 19 years, considers himself a "public servant," and thus was simply acting accordingly.

“I have represented a substantial number of CATS drivers over the years. Some of whom who have been assaulted, shot at or shot during their work activity,” Harris told CNN.

“They consider themselves public servants. In light of their commitment, dedication and the workplace dangers that they encounter, we have continuously encouraged the CATS system to enhance security measures for drivers,” Harris added.

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