Crime & Safety

Father of Man Fatally Struck By Bus Sues Metro

Xavier Shelby died when he was struck by a Metro vehicle in August.

The father of a man who was killed in North Hollywood in August after being hit by a Metro bus while chasing a dog sued the agency Thursday.

Walter Shelby Jr., father of Xavier Shelby, filed the negligence complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court. He seeks unspecified damages as well as compensation for burial expenses related to his son.

A Metro spokeman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

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Xavier Shelby and his pit bull puppy were struck by the bus about 10:45 a.m. Aug. 14 on Webb Avenue, police said. The 21-year-old pedestrian and the dog were declared dead at the scene.

The Metro bus was heading south when the victim pursued the dog after the animal began chasing a ball, police said.

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According to the lawsuit, the bus was operated in "an unsafe and negligent manner and thus failed to avoid striking Mr. Shelby."

The bus operator "failed to drive ... at a speed which was reasonable and prudent...," the suit states.

The bus dragged Xavier Shelby and his body was ultimately crushed by the impact, according to the suit.

--City News Service


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