Hijacked Atlanta Bus Leads Police on Wild Chase, Resulting in Passenger Fatality and Gunman's Arrest

On a fateful day in Atlanta, a harrowing incident unfolded as a bus was hijacked by an armed suspect, leading to a high-speed chase and tragic consequences.

The Suspect and His Criminal Record

The alleged hijacker, Joseph Grier, aged 39, was identified by the Atlanta Police as the perpetrator of the bus hijacking. Grier, with a history of criminal activity, including 19 previous arrests, was reported to have held the bus driver and 17 commuters captive at gunpoint.

Following a pursuit that spanned 15 miles across multiple jurisdictions, Grier was apprehended by law enforcement agencies without further incident.

Charges and Criminal History

Authorities disclosed that Grier was booked on numerous charges, including murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

Notably, Grier had previously served time for aggravated assault and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, with his last release from prison occurring a decade ago.

The Tragic Victim and Mental Health Background

Regrettably, the hijacking resulted in the death of a passenger, identified as 58-year-old Earnest Byrd Jr. Officials shared the identity of the victim during a press conference following the incident.

Furthermore, it was revealed that Grier had a history of mental health struggles, having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia for 16 years. His family indicated that Grier had been receiving medical treatment, which notably altered his demeanor when adhered to properly.

The Hostage Situation and Law Enforcement Response

Police detailed that the hostage situation unfolded when Grier allegedly took a gun from another passenger, subsequently using it to threaten the remaining individuals on the bus. Trapped onboard, passengers resorted to contacting authorities, leading to a swift law enforcement response.

Ultimately, the bus was stopped using spike strips after a 15-mile chase, and Grier was taken into custody in DeKalb County.

Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation

Tragically, despite efforts to save the wounded passenger, they succumbed to their injuries after being transported to the hospital. While the investigation is ongoing, the focus remains on understanding the sequence of events and ensuring justice for the victims of this alarming incident.