WARNING: Graphic Content
Bodycam shows police shoot bus mechanic dead moments after he ambushed and killed co-worker
A Florida bus mechanic was caught on camera killing one of his co-workers at “point blank” range with a gun he had hidden inside his lunchbox — before being killed in a shootout with law enforcement.
Rafael Molina, 59, was seen in surveillance footage ambushing and shooting Warren Chambers, 42, when they finished their evening shifts at the Broward County Copans Regional Transit Center last Wednesday, according to police.
“We looked at the video footage, and the suspect, as we can see, is formulating, contemplating, further planning what his next move was going to be,” Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony told a news conference Friday.
“We see that the individual goes into a locker room of some sort, he changes out of his clothes, he’s now in civilian attire, and he’s just basically waiting.”
“He removed the firearm from the lunchbox, and then, when the victim comes outside of the room, he executes the victim, firing multiple shots at point-blank range, puts the victim down,” he said.
After killing Chambers, Molina took out a hammer to destroy his cellphone and “strategically” placed himself “in an ambush position” inside an empty bus as he waited for the cops to arrive, Tony said.
At least six deputies were then seen in bodycam footage running toward the bus while Molina fired shots at them — with one shouting, “Move, move, move, move, move!”
After a few seconds, a deputy told the others to “hold,” saying, “He’s down.”
A gun was on the ground next to Molina’s body.
The killer got off six shots at the deputies — who fired back nearly 50 times, Tony said.
“He made his mind up that he was going to die that day or kill as many people [as possible], including law enforcement,” the sheriff said at the news conference on Friday.
“No one’s expecting us to come here and negotiate with someone who is gunning down individuals.”
The sheriff plans to honor his deputies for their bravery.
“I intend to put the Medal of Honor around all three of them,” Tony said of Sgt. Noel Mercado, 44, Deputy Joseph Sherbo, 31, and Deputy Richard Delgaudio, 33, who are all on administrative leave from the force.
“It’s the most courageous thing I’ve seen.”
Molina is believed to have murdered Chambers over an unspecified argument, NBC Miami reports. Deputies are looking into his shattered cellphone for clues to the motive, WSVN reports.
Chambers’ family said it was “deeply saddened by the horrific loss of our beloved family member.
“He was a devoted father, son, grandchild, nephew, brother, cousin, friend and so much more to so many,” the family said in the statement to NBC Miami.
“To know him was a gift. To be loved and cared for by him was a blessing.”
