Following the senseless shooting in Seattle that left two dead, bus driver Eric Stark, 53, is being hailed as a hero for his actions.
According to reports, Stark — who was shot by the still unnamed suspect during the shooting on Wednesday, March 27 — led the bus he was driving to safety despite his injuries. The bus reportedly had about 12 passengers on board. Stark was taken to Harborview Medical Center to be treated for his injuries.
Seattle Deputy Police Chief Marc Garth Green said that the suspect first shot and wounded a woman as he attempted to carjack her, then opened fire on the bus Stark was driving before ultimately shooting and killing a 50-year-old man as he attempted a second carjacking.
Then, as he was attempting to flee from police, the suspect drove into oncoming traffic and hit another vehicle head-on, killing the driver.
At the time of this writing, police have yet to identify the suspect. He was taken into custody by police.
Speaking to reporters, Police Chief Green said that they “only believe that this is a one lone [sic] suspect involved in this random, senseless act” and that Stark “truly is a hero.”
“This bus driver truly is a hero. He was able to have the wherewithal to put the bus in reverse, back it up, turn it around — which is no easy feat in and of itself — and to take those passengers and himself out of harm’s way, move to a different area, get those folks off the bus, and then get aid for himself,” Green said.
Additionally, while speaking at a press conference, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hailed Stark as a hero and wished him a speedy recovery.
“I want him and his family to know that all the wishes of Seattle go out to him and hope for a speedy recovery,” Durkin said.
That is all the information that is available at this time. This article will be updated with new and relevant information should it become available at any time. If there is anything that we missed, please feel free to send an email to editor@teamcoed.com and we will respond as soon as possible.
