A Culver City bus driver who was shot and killed while on the job in Mar Vista earlier this week was remembered during a vigil on Saturday evening.
Balloons filled the sky and candles were left on Centinela Avenue near Mitchell Avenue in Mar Vista, where 42-year-old Culver CityBus operator Bruce Rodriguez was shot while driving his route around 5:15 p.m. Thursday. Police say an intoxicated passenger argued with Rodriguez over a missed stop before pulling out a gun and opening fire.
When officers arrived, Rodriguez was found unresponsive in the driver’s seat. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Rodriguez leaves behind his wife, Sandy Sanchez, and their 6-month-old and 3-year-old sons.
“Bruce loved being a dad to our two little boys,” Sanchez said. “He worked hard to care for us. For 12 years, he worked hard for the city of Culver City as a bus driver.”
His coworkers described him as kind and echoed his trait of being hardworking.
“Anything you asked him to do, he did,” said Jennifer Vance, Rodriguez’s coworker and friend. “If you wanted him to show up and show out, he’s going to do that. If you want him to be goofy, he is going to do that. Whatever you ask Bruce to do, he is going to do it. I loved him. We all loved him from Culver City.”
Police said the shooting may have happened over a missed stop. This video was broadcast during the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
As Rodriguez’s loved ones continue to remember the man he was, they’re also demanding action — calling for stronger safety measures to protect bus drivers and prevent similar tragedies.
“Let’s make changes so this doesn’t happen again,” said Rodriguez’s brother, Rick. “Not to my brother, not to any other driver or public servant. It doesn’t matter who.”
Following the shooting, the mayor of Culver City announced Culver CityBus service would be suspended throughout the weekend. Crisis support services were also being offered to staff.
The alleged shooter, 55-year-old Jose Zayas, was arrested and booked for murder a day after the shooting. His bail was set at $3 million. No court date was set as of Saturday night.