Authorities in Los Angeles are on the hunt for three suspects involved in a fatal shooting that took place on a Metro train on Friday night. The victim, identified as Juan Garcia, 38, was shot and killed after an altercation with a group of men at the Metro E Line stop at La Cienega and Jefferson boulevards, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Juan, also known as Tony, was a father of four and the oldest sibling of seven, as shared on a GoFundMe page set up by the Garcia family. The family described him as their protector and expressed deep sadness over his passing.
The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting LAPD’s South Bureau Homicide Division detectives at 323-786-5111.
This tragic incident marks the seventh attack on LA Metro’s property between April 22 and May 21, highlighting a concerning trend of violence in public transit systems. In response to this, LA Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass has called for increased law enforcement presence across the transit system to enhance safety.
To address these security concerns, the Metro Board recently approved a measure to deploy 260 officers daily to patrol the transit system and ensure the well-being of passengers. The goal is to maintain the progress made in public transportation ridership by providing a safe and secure environment for commuters.
As the community mourns the loss of Tony Garcia, it is essential to address the broader issue of safety on public transportation and take proactive measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. The LAPD and Metro Board are working together to enhance security measures and protect the public from violence on public transit systems.