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Published on July 04, 2024
Atlanta Bus Hijacking Suspect Joseph Grier Charged With Murder After Tragic IncidentSource: Fulton County Sheriff's Office

The Atlanta police have disclosed the identity of the victim in the recent bus hijacking incident as Earnest Byrd Jr., whose life was tragically cut short in the June 11 ordeal. Joseph Grier, the 39-year-old suspect in this harrowing situation, is now facing a string of charges encompassing Murder, Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, Hijacking a Motor Vehicle, and firearms offenses. The grim turn of events unfolded near 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NE, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in Stone Mountain, GA.

Reports indicate that the Atlanta Police were called to the scene following reports of gunfire on a bus and a possible hostage situation. During the chase, after fleeing the initial location, several agencies were involved in the police pursuit of the bus. Employed by police, various tactics were unable to bring the vehicle to a stop until it reached 5107 Hugh Howell Rd. Though the bus was stopped without additional incidents, the damage had already been done.

Once authorities were able to clear the bus, they found Byrd with a gunshot wound. Rushed to the hospital by ambulance, he was in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries. It has been confirmed that at the time of the incident, other passengers were present on the bus, but, fortunately, there were no further injuries reported. While Grier is now in custody, the investigation into the motives and full circumstances around the hijacking continues.

Grier, already burdened with a history of criminal convictions, now sees his life shadowed by the weight of these severe accusations. The charges levied against him are severe, reflecting the gravity of June 11's events.