ATLANTA — It was eight rounds of gunfire that ended a bus fare dispute at a downtown Decatur MARTA station.
The shooting left 47-year-old bus operator Leroy Ramos dead.
“Let’s be clear about it, this is what this is about -- $2.50. This man can no longer go home to his family,” former MARTA bus driver Labarron Morgan said.
Cell phone video recorded by a witness showed Ramos getting into an argument with three teenagers who refused to pay the bus fare.
One teen threatened to spit on Ramos, while another MARTA employee is seen holding Ramos back before the teen in a red hoodie pulled out a gun and shot Ramos several times.
MARTA sent Channel 2 Action News statement saying:
“MARTA has a strict de-escalation policy designed to protect operators from violence that includes not engaging with customers beyond the scope of their position as bus operator and leaving enforcement of rules to MARTA Police.
“All operators receive de-escalation training during their onboarding process and continued training and education throughout their employment.”
Two teens have been charged as an adult, facing murder and aggravated assault charges. Police are still searching for the third teen.
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For more than two years Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincon has reported on concerns from the Union and drivers about safety.
Morgan was not only fired, but MARTA filed charges against him after he said he responded in self-defense during a 2021 incident when an unruly passenger pointed a gun at him.
“The person threatened to kill me. He had a gun. He showed it to me, my life is flashing before my eyes at this point,” Morgan said.
MARTA told Channel 2 Action News that it presented the case to Clayton County, where a felony aggravated assault charge was later filed against Morgan.
He turned himself in and spent three days in jail until he could bond out.
The Clayton County District’s Attorney Office dropped that assault charge against Morgan.
In a document, the state said that after reviewing video, it found that the alleged victim was the instigator and Morgan acted in self-defense.
Former transit operator John Harrison told Lincoln he was also fired and charged for defending himself against an aggressive passenger.
“I wasn’t trying to knock the fella off the platform, I was just defending myself,” Harrison said.
He was fired and also charged with felony assault by MARTA. The incident occurred in 2019 at the Bankhead train station.
“There was no risk of a train coming. This was at the end of the line,” Harrison said.
MARTA said they presented the case to the Fulton County’s District Attorney’s office because Harrison was in violation of their policy.
Which prohibits fighting unless it can be shown as an act of self-defense.
In a statement MARTA said”
“Operators are trained to de-escalate situations. Had Harrison walked away from the patron and returned to the train cab, the incident would have been avoided.”
Harrison eventually filed a civil lawsuit against MARTA. In 2022 a Fulton County jury ordered MARTA to pay Harrison a six-figure judgment.
MARTA also told Channel 2 Action News:
“The MARTA Police Department is committed to maintaining a secure environment across our transit system. We have a comprehensive safety plan in place, with sworn officers, Field Protective Specialists, and K-9 units providing 24/7 patrols across stations, trains, buses, and parking lots. Our Special Operations Unit, including SWAT and undercover officers, conducts targeted crime suppression details, and dedicated train patrols further enhance security throughout the system.
“MARTA’s network is equipped with thousands of cameras monitored in real-time from our operations center. By summer 2025, we will launch a fully operational Real-Time Crime Center to strengthen our ability to prevent and respond to incidents using advanced technology integrated with our CCTV system.
“We encourage customers to use the MARTA See & Say app to report crimes or suspicious activity anonymously. The app allows users to send photos, videos, and messages directly to our dispatchers. Riders can also use the blue and white emergency phones in stations or contact MPD at 404-848-4911.
MPD works closely with the Atlanta Police Department’s Zone 2 and Zone 5 to further enhance safety in and around our transit system. We are committed to continuously evaluating and improving our security measures to ensure a safe transit experience for all.”
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