CapMetro employee kills himself on bus

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A Capital Metro employee shot and killed himself on a bus Tuesday evening.

The incident happened around 8:40 p.m. as the bus was at the intersection of Red River and 32nd streets, near the University of Texas - Austin.

CapMetro spokesman Dan Dawson said an employee appeared to have committed suicide on the bus.

On Monday afternoon, Capital Metro officials identified him as Jesus Rios, 47, who had been a bus operator for Star Tran, Inc., for 11 years. He was placed on suspension by Star Tran for disciplinary reasons earlier this month.

Capital Metro created StarTran, Inc ., a private entity that acts as the authority's agent in managing its unionized workforce, in January 1992.

Rios was not driving the bus, as originally believed.

There were six other passengers on the bus, aside from the man who was driving. The driver on duty quickly escorted them off the bus and no one else was injured, officials said.

Capital Metro will continue to cooperate with the Austin Police Department during its ongoing investigation, according to staff. Grief counseling is being provided to Capital Metro employees Wednesday at the agency’s headquarters.

Cap Metro spokeswoman Melissa Ayala said in a written statement that the management and employees of Capital Metro offer their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Rios.