BREAKING: Suspect Arrested in Deadly Metro Bus Shooting in Houston
Houston, TX — May 31, 2025
The Houston Police Department (HPD) has confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Carltonio Jackson, who is now formally charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Phillip Ogiemwonyi aboard a Metro bus last week. The deadly incident took place on May 23, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., near the intersection of Scott Street and Wheeler Avenue, sending shockwaves through the community and raising fresh concerns over transit safety in the city.
The Incident
According to investigators, the shooting unfolded in broad daylight while the Metro bus was en route through Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood. Witnesses reported a verbal altercation between the suspect and the victim moments before the gunfire erupted. Surveillance footage from inside the bus shows a heated exchange between Jackson and Ogiemwonyi before Jackson allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot the victim multiple times at close range.
The driver immediately stopped the vehicle and alerted authorities while panicked passengers scrambled for safety. Emergency medical responders arrived swiftly, but despite their best efforts, Ogiemwonyi was pronounced dead at the scene.
Arrest and Charges
Following a week-long manhunt and an intensive investigation involving Metro Police and the HPD’s Homicide Division, Carltonio Jackson was located and taken into custody late Thursday night in southwest Houston. Police say Jackson was apprehended without incident at an apartment complex on the 7200 block of Fondren Road.
He has since been charged with murder and is being held at the Harris County Jail without bond, pending a court appearance scheduled for early next week. Investigators say Jackson has a prior criminal history, including weapons-related offenses, but it remains unclear whether the firearm used in the shooting was legally obtained.
Motive Under Investigation
At this stage, authorities have not disclosed a definitive motive, though they have not ruled out the possibility that the shooting may have stemmed from a personal dispute. “We are still piecing together the events that led up to this tragic loss of life,” said HPD spokesperson Lt. Darren Ellis during a press briefing on Friday morning. “Our detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and examine all available evidence, including surveillance video and forensic materials.”
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has reignited discussions about public transportation safety in Houston, with city officials and community leaders calling for increased security measures on Metro buses and trains. “This senseless violence cannot be normalized,” said City Councilmember Letitia Andrews, whose district includes part of the Third Ward. “Every Houstonian should feel safe commuting to work, school, or home.”
In response, Metro announced plans to bolster security by increasing the presence of uniformed officers and transit security personnel across high-traffic routes. The agency is also reviewing its onboard surveillance protocols and emergency response procedures.
Victim Remembered
Phillip Ogiemwonyi, originally from Nigeria, was a father of two and worked as a technician at a local telecommunications company. Friends and family describe him as kind-hearted, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his children. “He didn’t deserve this,” said his cousin, Maria Osagie. “He was just trying to get home from work. Now his kids will grow up without a father.”
A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening at the site of the shooting, where community members will gather to honor Ogiemwonyi’s life and call for peace.
Ongoing Investigation
While Jackson is now in custody, HPD continues to investigate whether anyone else was involved or if additional charges may be warranted. Authorities are urging anyone with further information or cell phone footage of the incident to contact the HPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details become available.
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