Zhontay Capers, a 21-year-old woman from Philadelphia, has been charged with murder and related offenses in the fatal shooting of SEPTA bus driver Bernard N. Gribbin on Thursday morning.
According to police, Capers shot Gribbin six times near Germantown and Abbotsford Avenues at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Gribbin was taken to Einstein Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead just minutes later.
Philadelphia
WATCH & LISTEN: Philly Police audio of their response to Germantown Ave & Abbottsford Ave after a SEPTA Bus Driver was shot and killed by a passenger at 10:27am this morning (10/26/23)
The victim was identified as Bernard Gribben, a 12 year SEPTA employee.
Police… pic.twitter.com/2oIH0E0bs5
— PhillyCrimeUpdate (@PhillyCrimeUpd) October 26, 2023
Police say that the motive for the shooting is still under investigation, but that Capers and Gribbin were known to each other.
Capers was arrested without incident shortly after the shooting.
In addition to murder, Capers has also been charged with VUFA (Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act), possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person.
She is currently being held in Philadelphia County Prison without bail.
Zhontay Capers, a 21-year-old woman from Philadelphia, has been charged with murder and related offenses in the fatal shooting of SEPTA bus driver
Gribbin was a 12-year employee of SEPTA and was well-liked by his colleagues and passengers.
His death has sent shockwaves through the Philadelphia community, and many are calling for justice.
“This is a senseless tragedy,” said SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie Richards. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and friends, as well as to his SEPTA colleagues and riders.“
UPDATE: @PhillyPolice booking photo of 21 year old Zhontay Capers, is now charged with the murder of @SEPTA bus driver Bernard Gribben,48. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/PZXw0slWOf
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) October 27, 2023
The Philadelphia Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 215-686-TIPS.
PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENTFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTA Bus Driver Shot and Killed by Passenger; Female Offender in Custody
At approximately 10:27 AM this morning, Philadelphia Police responded to the intersection of Germantown Avenue and Abbottsford Avenue for the report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located a SEPTA bus driver suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The driver, identified as Bernard Gribben, a 12-year SEPTA employee, was transported to Einstein Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.
Witnesses at the scene reported that a female passenger on the bus shot Gribben before fleeing the scene.
Police quickly located and apprehended the suspect, who is currently in custody.
“I am confident we have the offender who committed this atrocity,” said SEPTA Police Chief Charles Lawson.
