Atlanta police identified Joseph Grier as the suspect who hijacked a bus, held the driver at gunpoint, and took 17 passengers hostage. Grier led police on a 15-mile chase through multiple jurisdictions, resulting in the death of one passenger, Earnest Byrd Jr. Grier was taken into custody and faces over two dozen charges, including murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, hijacking, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Grier, with a history of arrests and convictions, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and had stopped following his treatment plan prior to the incident.
The hijacking incident began when Grier got into a fight with a passenger on a Gwinnett County Transit bus, ultimately taking the gun and shooting the passenger. He then forced the bus driver to flee the scene, holding the other passengers at gunpoint. Police were alerted to the situation when one passenger managed to call 911 while another passenger’s family received a text about the hijacking. Authorities were able to stop the bus using spike strips after a 15-mile chase up I-85, leading to Grier’s arrest in neighboring DeKalb County.
The hijacking incident ended tragically, with one passenger succumbing to their gunshot wound at the hospital. The other 16 passengers were unharmed during the ordeal. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as police work to determine the full extent of the events that transpired during the high-speed chase. This incident came shortly after a separate shooting in downtown Atlanta, where an off-duty officer intervened to stop the gunman.
Grier’s father’s partner shared that Grier, when following his treatment plan, had a calm and loving demeanor, struggling with mental illness for many years. However, after losing his job and not getting sufficient rest, he had stopped taking his medication. Family members had been encouraging him to rest, but the situation escalated when Grier initiated the bus hijacking. Despite the tragic outcome for one passenger, it was noted that the situation could have been much worse given the number of individuals involved.
The hijacking incident involving Joseph Grier shed light on the dangers posed by individuals with a history of criminal behavior and mental health struggles. The incident highlighted the impact of failing to follow treatment plans and the potential consequences of decisions made under duress and without proper mental health care. The authorities’ swift response and successful apprehension of the suspect prevented further harm to the passengers on the bus, ultimately leading to Grier’s arrest and facing numerous criminal charges for his actions.
