Representing Gwinnett, Cobb, and MARTA transit drivers, David Ward, an executive officer of the Amalgamated Local 732 Union, expressed his concern regarding the recent hijacking of a Gwinnett transit bus by Joseph Grier. The incident has put transit drivers on high alert, and they are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers.
Ward emphasized that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for improved public safety measures.
On Tuesday, Grier witnessed the Peachtree Center shooting and then led law enforcement on a police chase spanning three counties from Downtown Atlanta.
According to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, it is unclear whether the man who had a brief moment of distress when police sirens went off was already experiencing a mental health episode or if it was triggered by the sudden activity and noise around him. Dickens raised the question of the man’s mental state at the time and whether it played a role in the incident.
Since 2003, Grier has accumulated a rap sheet across North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
According to records, Grier has faced multiple felony charges within the last two decades, including assault on a female, criminal trespass, child molestation, and failure to register as a sex offender.
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Back in 2008, there was an incident of trespassing at North Lake Mall that led to his arrest. Similarly, in 2016, he was involved in a high-speed chase in Florida, which eventually led to his apprehension by law enforcement.
According to Channel 2 Action News, Grier’s family has confirmed that he is experiencing mental health issues.
According to Ward, our individuals face frequent attacks.
According to Ward, many drivers experience assaults from individuals with a history of criminal behavior or mental health problems.
According to him, drivers are currently facing challenges such as responding to shots fired calls, dealing with assaults, and experiencing delayed security response times.
According to Ward, there hasn’t been any recent legislation that can effectively address these problems.