Prosecutors say the gunman fired 10 rounds at transit workers after being told to pay before boarding
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A Brooklyn man who opened fire on four MTA fare inspectors after being asked to pay a $2.75 bus fare has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the brazen shooting that unfolded at a busy Brooklyn bus stop.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Tuesday that 52-year-old Samuel White of Starrett City was sentenced after pleading guilty to four counts of second-degree attempted murder.
According to prosecutors, the shooting happened April 18, 2023, at approximately 6:15 a.m. near Flatlands Avenue and Louisiana Avenue in Starrett City.
Investigators said members of the MTA’s Eagle Team boarded a B82 Select Bus Service vehicle and discovered White had not paid his fare.
Inspectors instructed White to exit the bus and pay at a nearby MTA kiosk, advising him another bus would arrive shortly.
Authorities said White became enraged, accusing the inspectors of ruining his life and making him late for work.
Prosecutors said White then walked behind a tree, removed a loaded .45-caliber handgun from his backpack, and opened fire on the four inspectors.
Investigators said White fired 10 rounds during the attack.
One inspector was grazed in the right calf while attempting to take cover behind a fare kiosk and was transported to Kings County Hospital for treatment before being released.
The remaining inspectors avoided injury while taking cover behind trees and nearby structures, according to prosecutors.
Police recovered nine shell casings and two bullets from the scene.
White was arrested the following day.
Authorities said surveillance footage from the bus helped identify him, and prosecutors stated White later admitted to the shooting and acknowledged illegally purchasing the firearm used in the attack.
Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter sentenced White to 15 years in prison Tuesday.
District Attorney Gonzalez said the sentence sends a message that violence against transit workers will not be tolerated.
Key Points
- A Brooklyn man was sentenced to 15 years for shooting at four MTA inspectors
- Prosecutors said the gunman opened fire after being asked to pay a $2.75 bus fare
- One transit inspector was grazed by a bullet during the attack