OSHANE GRIFFITHS: Told police he fired his concealed weapon at one of the passengers in self-defense. PHOTO COURTESY OF TREADS.COM

By David L. Snelling

Miami – Miami-Dade County is exploring the use of body cameras for bus operators after a Miami-Dade Transit driver shot and killed two passengers.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado is proposing legislation which would require all bus drivers to wear the cameras during their shifts.

The resolution will go before county commissioners at their May 20 meeting.

According to a resolution, the body cams would help maximize safety and work as a deterrent, possibly reducing the potential for crime, as well as help in accident investigations, and provide monitoring of on-board activities.

The Transport Workers Union Local 291, however, strongly opposed body cameras, said Joseph D’Elia, the union president.

“While safety is always a top priority, and we take pride in that as professional Operators, we believe that mandating bodyworn cameras raises serious concerns regarding privacy, trust, and worker rights,” he said in a statement to NBC 6 Miami.

“Our Bus Operators are dedicated professionals who serve our communities with integrity and commitment. The introduction of body worn cameras could create an atmosphere of suspicion with the riding public and undermine the mutual respect that is essential for a positive working environment.”

D’ Elia added that there are significant concerns about how the footage might be used, stored and potentially misinterpreted, which could lead to unjust disciplinary actions against members (operators) or potential invasions of privacy.

According to the Miami Gardens Police Department, Lonnie Stephenwade Harley, 44, and Ejaash Bail Carter, 46, were both killed in the shooting during an altercation with the driver, Oshane Griffiths, around 3 a.m. on March 30.

The incident occurred near a bus stop at NW 7th Avenue and Miami Gardens Drive.

Griffiths told police he fired his concealed weapon at one of the passengers in self-defense.

Police said the other passenger was an innocent bystander hit by a stray bullet.

Harley and Cater were airlifted to Aventura Hospital where they died from their injuries.

Griffiths was taken into custody for questioning and later released.

The investigation will determine whether Griffiths will be charged. He was placed on administrative leave and later resigned amid a termination process by Miami-Dade County.

County regulations prohibit drivers from carrying firearms while on the job.

Miami-Dade Transit driver Sheri Martin welcomes wearing body cameras.

“Great ideal because it’s crazy outside,” she said on the Miami-Dade Transit Employees social media page.

Some drivers suggest having police follow bus routes that draw the most complaints from them and passengers.

Miami-Dade Transit drivers said they have to deal with unruly passengers who board the buses but refuse to pay, argue with and threaten operators and harass passengers.

Some stop their buses and call the police to escort disgruntled passengers off the bus, delaying the routes’ schedule times.

Miami-Gardens Police said Griffiths called the police before the March 30 disturbance escalated to gunfire.