Shooting suspect arrested
Police have revealed a gambling debt between two bus drivers as the motive behind a fatal shooting in San Jose.
Officers arrested 33 year-old Duc Minh Bui on suspicion of murder on Sunday afternoon after the Friday night shooting at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Chaboya Division bus yard?on South 7th Street which left a 45 year-old victim dead.
a kind, hard-working driver who was well known amongst his colleagues.”
The victim has not been named by the coroner’s office, but VTA General Manager Carolyn Gonot named him as Regulus Teotico, who goes by the name of “Regus.” Gonot said the victim and father-of-two was “a kind, hard-working driver who was well known amongst his colleagues.”
“Everyone at VTA extends their deepest condolences to Regus’ family and friends.”
Gambling debts owed
Speaking at a news conference at the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Capt. Sugey Jaimez revealed the gambling debt motive to local media.
“They were known to participate in the same activities outside of their VTA employment,” said Jaimez. “We believe the motive had to do with money owed between the two from their betting activities, which had nothing to do with their employment.”
Additional witnesses were at the site when the shooting occurred, but the Sheriff’s Office declined to reveal any further information about what was heard or seen, or whether any of the incident was captured on security cameras.
Asked about Bui’s past and disciplinary record, Jaimez declined to go into detail, but stated that the initial investigation had turned up no signs of evidence that may have prevented the shooting from taking place.
Jaimez also confirmed that authorities believed the shooting was an isolated incident and that no further suspects were being sought.
Second VTA shooting
The incident comes three years after another shooting at a VTA yard which took place in May 2021. Samuel James Cassidy opened fire on co-workers, killing nine people before committing suicide, in the deadliest mass shooting in Bay Area history.
The shooting had caused a series of measures to be passed in its wake, including increased security at VTA sites as well as further restrictions on firearms in San Jose.
a candlelight vigil was held for Teotico in the aftermath of the shooting on Sunday night
As with the 2021 incident, a candlelight vigil was held for Teotico in the aftermath of the shooting on Sunday night.
“We were rebuilding after the tragic incident of three years ago, and so for many people, this is reliving one of the worst experiences they’ve ever had in their life,” said Cindy Chavez, chair of the VTA board of directors.
“That’s why the mental health services, that’s why us wrapping our arms around each other is so important.”