Suspect caught after METRO bus robbery

HOUSTON The suspect, Peter Simmons Jr., allegedly robbed and threatened a bus operator on Jan. 18, 2008, while the operator was on a layover on the 52 Scott route. The suspect stole the operator's purse and jewelry and threatened to kill her before fleeing the scene.

Based on a description of Simmons and video from the on-board bus, officers arrested Simmons, who has a criminal record, including assaults and weapons charges. He remains in the Harris County jail, charged with robbery.

METRO now has 50 buses equipped with cameras and is looking to outfit others with similar technology, said METRO Police Chief Tom Lambert.

"These cameras not only give us a powerful tool for investigating incidents on our buses," Lambert said, "they also act as a deterrent to passengers looking to harm operators or other passengers."

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