Daisy Garcia Montoya
Editorial Assistant

A Kansas City man is being charged for the non-fatal shootings of a KCATA bus driver and a KCPD officer on Thursday, July 2, at Hardesty and Independence Avenue. 

Justin A. Rodgers, 25, faces charges for Assault in the 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced. 

KCPD reported to Hardesty and Independence Avenue Thursday morning to respond to a call concerning a robbery suspect boarding a KCATA bus. 

According to court records, the suspect took a wallet from an intoxicated man at a bus stop and then proceeded by entering the bus. The bus driver witnessed the robbery and called for a supervisor as she continued the route westbound on Independence Avenue. 

As the driver continued the route, police arrived to confront the suspect. As a KCPD officer attempted to enter the bus through a rear entrance, the suspect shot the first officer and also hit the bus driver with gunshots. As the suspect exited the bus, he engaged fire with the officers. Officers returned fire and the suspect was shot. At this time, the name of the officer has not been released. 

The bail is set at a $200,000 cash-only bond. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.