Man pleads not guilty to murder of Culver City bus driver

Jose Zayas pleaded not guilty to murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Bruce Rodriguez, a Culver City bus driver, according to foxla.com and kfiam640.iheart.com. The incident occurred on October 1 around 5:15 p.m. near Centinela Avenue and Washington Boulevard in Mar Vista.

Authorities reported that Zayas asked Rodriguez to stop the bus so he could get off, but Rodriguez said he could not due to heavy traffic. Following this, Zayas produced a handgun and shot Rodriguez multiple times, resulting in his death at a hospital, according to the sources.

After the shooting, Zayas fled the scene by taking a bicycle from the bus's front rack. He was arrested the next day near Washington Boulevard without incident, according to LAPD statements cited by kfiam640.iheart.com.

Surveillance video from the bus and witness statements from passengers helped police identify and locate Zayas. The Los Angeles County District Attorney charged him with murder, including special allegations for killing transportation personnel and personal use of a firearm, as well as possession of a firearm as a felon.

Rodriguez was a 42-year-old transit worker with 12 years of service and is survived by his wife and two young sons. His death prompted a vigil attended by hundreds and a temporary suspension of Culver CityBus service that weekend.