VTA employee killed in shooting at San Jose facility; authorities investigating as homicide
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A shooting in San Jose has left a Valley Transportation Authority employee dead. The homicide happened Friday night at VTA'S Chaboya Yard.
The victim was a longtime bus driver.
For many employees, it's a triggering event after a mass shooting at VTA on May 26, 2021.
"We're sad for his passing, our prayers are with his family," said ATU Local 265 President, Raj Singh.
Workers at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority are still processing news of a shooting which left a bus driver dead. Transit Union President, Raj Sign knew the victim, a VTA driver for 10 years.
"We lost a good person very good individual, I can't recall a negative interaction with him," said Singh.
VIDEO: Officials give update following deadly shooting at VTA facility in San Jose
The deadly shooting happened Friday around 9:40 p.m. at VTA'S Chaboya Division Yard. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department says it appears to be an isolated incident.
A motive is unclear and no arrests have been made, and investigators are following leads.
"We have increased security presence not just at this facility, but all our facilities, but this appears to be an isolated incident," said VTA CEO and General Manager, Carolyn Gonot.
For many employees, it's a grim reminder of the 2021 mass shooting at VTA'S Guadalupe Yard.
Nine employees were killed.
The gunman was Samuel Cassidy, 57, a VTA worker. He died by suicide after law enforcement arrived to the Guadalupe rail yard.
"We really thought we were getting passed some of the stuff from before. Obviously this is going to spur a lot of that back," said Singh.
"I think for many employees who were here then, it brings back that horrible experience but the loss of another co-worker," said Cindy Chavez, Santa Clara County Supervisor.
All employees will be offered mental health counseling, if requested.
RESOURCES: Get help with mental health issues
"I want to make sure the public knows that our system is safe, no service interruptions, our employees are here for them and here for each other," Gonot said.
If anyone has any information regarding the incident, authorities are asking the public to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department Anonymous Crime Tipline at 408-808-4431.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
