Miami-Dade County Bus Driver Accused of Fatally Shooting Two Passengers During On-Route Altercation Resigns Amid Widening Criminal Investigation and Public Outcry Over Transit Safety

Miami, FL – April 6, 2025 — A veteran Miami-Dade Transit bus driver accused of fatally shooting two passengers last month has officially resigned from his position, according to county officials. The case has shocked the South Florida community and raised pressing questions about safety protocols, employee mental health, and oversight within the public transportation system.

The driver, identified as Leonel V. Herrera, 52, had worked with the Miami-Dade Transit system for more than 20 years. On the evening of March 14, 2025, Herrera allegedly opened fire on two passengers aboard Route 31 near NW 27th Avenue and 103rd Street, killing them both before fleeing the scene in the bus. The victims have been identified as Carlos Jiménez, 28, and Tyesha Washington, 34, both residents of the Miami area.

The Incident

According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, the shooting occurred around 8:42 p.m., during what was initially described by witnesses as a heated verbal altercation. Surveillance footage and passenger testimonies indicate that a dispute between Herrera and the victims escalated rapidly before he pulled out a firearm and discharged multiple rounds.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by responding emergency personnel. Several other passengers were on the bus at the time, though no additional injuries were reported. Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic and terrifying,” with riders scrambling for safety after the first shots were fired.

After the shooting, Herrera allegedly drove the bus several blocks before abandoning it in a vacant lot. He was apprehended later that night near his home in Hialeah after a brief standoff with police.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Herrera has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, unlawful use of a firearm, and reckless endangerment. He is currently being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 17, where prosecutors are expected to present preliminary evidence to support the charges.

According to sources familiar with the case, investigators are still trying to determine a clear motive. While initial reports suggested that the altercation stemmed from a fare dispute or verbal harassment, law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of a personal or premeditated motive.

Herrera’s Resignation

In a statement released Friday by the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), officials confirmed that Herrera submitted his resignation earlier in the week from jail through his legal counsel. The department stated that they had already begun internal disciplinary proceedings and were preparing for his termination prior to the formal resignation.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and extend our condolences to the families of the victims,” said DTPW Director Yvette Martinez. “Miami-Dade Transit holds its operators to the highest standards of professionalism and public safety. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and conducting our own review of the events that led to this horrific act.”

Herrera had no prior criminal record and had received several commendations over the years for his punctuality and service. However, records indicate that there were at least two prior complaints lodged against him for verbal aggression toward passengers—complaints that were investigated but not substantiated at the time.

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, transit riders, and local advocacy groups who are demanding answers and urgent reforms. The Miami-Dade Riders Alliance, a local transportation advocacy organization, issued a statement calling for an independent audit of safety protocols for drivers and better mechanisms for addressing behavioral complaints.

“This tragedy should never have happened,” said group spokesperson Marta Rodriguez. “We must ensure that our transit system is not only efficient but safe—for riders and employees alike. The county needs to take a serious look at how it evaluates fitness for duty, especially when employees are in daily contact with the public.”

Many have also pointed to the broader issue of stress and mental health among public transportation workers. Union officials representing bus drivers say the incident is a wake-up call.

“Operators are under immense pressure,” said Tony Bernard, president of the Miami-Dade Transit Workers Union Local 1604. “We have been advocating for increased mental health support, de-escalation training, and safer working conditions for years. This tragedy, while shocking, is also a symptom of systemic neglect.”

Moving Forward

In response to the shooting, DTPW has pledged to re-evaluate its training and complaint procedures. County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has also ordered a comprehensive safety review and announced plans to increase the number of unarmed transit security personnel and mental health counselors available for driver consultations.

“We owe it to the victims, their families, and our community to do everything possible to prevent something like this from ever happening again,” said Mayor Levine Cava in a press conference. “We will be transparent in our investigation, and we will hold our systems and ourselves accountable.”

A Community in Mourning

Meanwhile, the families of Carlos Jiménez and Tyesha Washington are grieving and calling for justice. Vigils have been held in Liberty City and Opa-locka, where each of the victims had deep roots. Friends and family members described both individuals as kind-hearted and hardworking.

“Carlos was just trying to get home from work,” said his mother, Rosa Jiménez. “He didn’t deserve to die like this. None of them did.”

A joint memorial service is being planned for later this month, and GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to support both families.

As the criminal case against Leonel Herrera progresses, Miami-Dade residents continue to wrestle with the shock and sorrow left in the wake of a tragedy that occurred in one of the city’s most public spaces—a moving bus—now the site of mourning, fear, and calls for transformative change.