Omitrans Driver Killed in Rialto

The Omnitrans family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Coach Operator Lawrence Kester, who was killed yesterday in a fatal stabbing incident while driving Omnitrans Route 10 in Rialto.

Kester, a 48-year-old resident of Fontana, was a valued 15-year veteran coach operator who earned more than a dozen commendations for safety and customer service during the course of his career at Omnitrans. He also recently was honored as a member of the agency’s “Million Mile Club,” reserved for an elite group of coach operators who have safely driven more than one million passenger miles without a preventable accident.

“We are devastated by this horrible and senseless attack. We will remember Larry as a man who was deeply dedicated to his family, friends and customers,” said Omnitrans CEO/General Manager Milo Victoria. “Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.”

Four customers were reportedly onboard the 40-foot coach when the incident occurred near the intersection of Baseline and Riverside; none were injured though the bus veered off the road and hit a tree. The Rialto Police Department has a suspect in custody.

In its 34-year history, Omnitrans has never suffered the loss of a bus driver in the line of duty.

Founded in 1976, Omnitrans is the public transit agency providing 50,000 passenger trips each weekday in the San Bernardino Valley of Southern California.