Richmond, Va. (NewsradioWRVA.com) - Last night at approximately 11:03 p.m., Richmond Police responded to the 4000 block of Hull Street for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound onboard a GRTC bus. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The victim is identified as 22-year-old Johnathan Contreras of Richmond.
The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.
Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective P. Ripley at (804) 646-0423 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
GRTC CEO Julie Timm says, “The GRTC Family is grieved for the terrible violence and loss of a life that occurred on a GRTC bus. We extend our sincere condolences to the friends and loved ones of our bus passenger who died because of their injuries. We are also deeply concerned for the bus Operator and other passengers who witnessed this violence and are ensuring they receive support. GRTC’s bus Operator is off duty on paid leave and was thankfully uninjured during the incident. Their quick-thinking, situational awareness, and active shooter safety training ensured GRTC Radio Supervision was notified of the escalating conflict before gunfire occurred, which enabled the fastest emergency response possible by police and EMS. This was a horrific experience and GRTC has professional counselors available for any staff seeking help.”