Metro Bus Operator Kidnapped in Downtown Los Angeles NR24103dm

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Central Area detectives announce the arrest of the suspect responsible for the Kidnapping of a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) bus operator. No passengers were on the bus during the incident.

On March 20, 2024, around 11:40 p.m., Central Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of a Felony Hit and Run near the 900 block of West Olympic Boulevard. Officer’s investigation revealed the suspect (later identified as Anai Lindsey) entered the Metro bus around 11:10 p.m., in the area of Spring Street and 7th Street. The suspect approached the Metro bus operator, made verbal threats, reached into his waistband as if he had a gun and stated, “Just Drive!” The bus operator attempted to make a left turn from Olympic Boulevard onto Georgia Street when the suspect grabbed the steering wheel and caused the bus to collide with several vehicles. One of the vehicles on Georgia Street was occupied. The bus continued and collided into a hotel, at which time the suspect fled the scene on foot. Officers recovered a handgun, later determined to be a BB gun, from the sidewalk in front of the bus.

Both the Metro bus operator and the occupant of the vehicle it collided with were transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. The bus operator has been released from the hospital and the person who was in the vehicle is listed in stable condition.

The suspect is identified as Anai Lindsey, a resident of Nevada. Lindsey was arrested and booked for 207(A)PC – Kidnapping (booking #6778983). He is currently being held on $100,000.00 bail.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Central Division detectives, at 213-833-3750. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.