FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have identified the man who, they said, opened fire while on board a Broward County Transit bus in Fort Lauderdale.
On Friday morning, police identified 34-year-old Jamal Meyers as the man who opened fire on the bus the day prior.
Investigators said four people were shot as the bus was heading westbound in the eastbound lanes along the 1100 block of Broward Boulevard, at around 3:30 p.m., Thursday.
Investigators said the bus collided with an SUV and a taxi cab before she was able to pull into the parking lot of the police station.
Cellphone video from a witness showed the bus passengers running off the bus and hiding behind cars outside the police station.
“Her quick actions, I am sure, saved lives,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Acting Luis Alvarez of the bus driver, “and to get to the front of the police station, and have that presence of mind, it pretty much saved lives.”
“I thought I was crazy, but I thought I heard a shot,” said Darnell Coles, a witness. “I was riding in a taxi, and all of a sudden we came to a stop, and then I look and the bus was coming towards us.”
Paramedics transported the three other shooting victims to Broward Health Medical Center, where a second victim succumbed to their injuries.
“Officers were actively administering medical care to the individuals that have been shot on the bus,” said Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan.
The two deceased victims have been identified as 32-year-old Gregory Campbell Jr. of Lauderdale Lakes and 41-year-old Danny Colon of Tamarac.
One of the surviving victims is listed in critical condition, and the other is listed in fair condition.
Their identities have not been released.
“He was very shaken up, and he’s in a lot of pain right now,'” said Tiffany Hunters, whose brother was injured.
Hunters’ brother was also hurt while driving the taxi that collided with the bus.
“He said he was riding in the taxi, and he saw the bus coming towards the taxi, and when the bus came towards him and hit them, he say he was in shock,” said Hunters.
Police said the gunman walked off the bus and surrendered in the parking lot of the police department.
“Officers came out with weapons drawn, screaming at him, and guy came off the bus with his hands in the air,” said Troy Winston, a witness.
A gun was recovered at the scene.
As police learn why Meyers did this, 7News learned that this isn’t his first run-in with law enforcement.
Dating back to 2007, Meyers has an extensive criminal record including burglaries, grand theft and eluding police.
Broward County Mayor Michael Udine said in a statement, “I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. This type of violence has no place in our society.”
Meyers is now being charged with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The bus union identified the bus hero as Gwendolyn Whitfield.
Police have not released the name of the other victim.
7News has the 911 calls of Thursday’s shooting. Tune in to 7News at 6 for a story on these calls.
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