Validated gang member arrested in shooting of school bus in Columbus, sheriff says
A validated gang member has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a school bus in Columbus earlier this year, according to a post on Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman’s Facebook page.
Countryman said Ricardo Samayoa was wanted in connection with the shooting of a school bus earlier this year on Cusseta Road.
Samayoa was charged with more than a dozen offenses on outstanding warrants:
- Felony Aggravated Assault - 12 Counts
- Felony Criminal Damage To Property 2nd Degree - 2 Counts
- Felony Armed Robbery By Firearm
- Felony Aggravated Assault With Intent To Commit A Felony
- Felony Grand Theft
- Felony Violation Of Probation - 2 Counts
The post says the case was still under investigation Tuesday and Samayoa may face additional charges.
“Samayoa was also wanted by multiple agencies for various violent felony warrants in two states,” Countryman said on Facebook. CPD, U.S. Marshals and the FBI aided in finding Samayoa.
Columbus school bus shooting
Arrest records indicate Samayoa was arrested over the Aug. 16 shooting in which a school bus was hit with gunfire near the intersection of Cusseta Road and 23rd Avenue.
No one in the bus was injured, according to CPD Public Information Officer Brittany Santiago.
Muscogee County School District communications director Kimberly Wright said in a statement at the time that the school bus wasn’t the intended target.
“Thanks to the quick actions of the bus driver, the bus was immediately moved out of harm’s way, ensuring the safety of all students on board. All students were unharmed and were safely transported home,” Wright said.
This story was originally published October 30, 2024 at 1:35 PM.