Police Identify Suspected Shooter Of CATS Bus Driver

CHARLOTTE, NC – Police have identified a suspect in the deadly shooting of a CATS bus driver earlier this month.

CMPD issued warrants for the arrest of Darian Thavychith, 21, for the murder of Ethan Rivera, 41.

“I know that this person will be found and he will be put in prison. And he will have his day and he will get what he deserves,” said family friend Clifford Jean-Baptiste.

Baptiste and Rivera grew up together in New York before moving to the Charlotte area.

“The family is hurt. The family is devastated,” said Jean-Baptiste.

Rivera was killed earlier this month in a road rage shooting. On Monday, police identified 21 year old Darian Thavychith as the suspect.

“It’s hard to accept, but it’s just something we have to learn to live with at this point. But it hurts. It hurts bad,” said Jean-Baptiste.

Jean-Baptist and another friend Anthony Myrick are calling for the community to turn in the suspected shooter.

“Someone out there knows exactly who this person is or where this person is staying. someone needs to say something. Someone needs to come tell us or tell the police,” said Jean-Baptiste.

“He needs to be taken off the street quickly,” said Myrick.

They’re also amplifying voices calling for better protection for CATS drivers.

“We would hope that CATS bus services basically put something in place to protect the drivers,” said Jean-Baptiste.

He says they want major changes to be enacted in light of Rivera’s death.

“My friend and my brother will not die in vain. We will make sure that something good comes of this situation,” said Jean-Baptiste.

Friends are raising money for the Rivera family. For more information, click here.