A San Jose bus driver allegedly shot and killed a coworker over an unpaid gambling debt, according to authorities. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Duc Minh Bui, was arrested just hours after the shooting death of his fellow Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) driver, 45-year-old Regulus “Reggie” Teotico. The incident occurred on the morning of Sunday, September 22, at the Chaboya Division Yard in San Jose.
When responders arrived at the yard, they found Teotico bleeding heavily from gunshot wounds. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later revealed that surveillance video footage identified Bui as the suspect, leading to his arrest near his home.
Officials believe the motive behind the killing was a financial dispute related to gambling. Sheriff’s Capt. Sugey Jaimez stated during a news conference that Bui and Teotico had known each other for years and socialized outside of work. “We believe the motive had to do with money owed between the two from their betting activities, which had nothing to do with their employment,” Jaimez elaborated. Bui had no prior criminal history, and there were “no red flags” on him, according to Jaimez.
VTA general manager Carolyn Gonot described Teotico as “a kind, hard-working driver who was well-known amongst his colleagues.” Teotico had been with the VTA for 10 years and was a father of two children. His death has deeply affected the VTA community, which is still recovering from a workplace mass shooting three years ago.
On May 26, 2021, Samuel James Cassidy, a disgruntled electro-mechanic, set his home on fire before heading to the VTA railyard, where he opened fire on his colleagues during a shift change. The incident resulted in the deaths of nine men before Cassidy turned the gun on himself, making it the deadliest shooting in Bay Area history.
County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, chair of the VTA board of directors, acknowledged the emotional toll this recent incident has on the community still grappling with the trauma from the 2021 shooting. “We were rebuilding after the tragic incident of three years ago, and so for many people, this is reliving one of the worst experiences they’ve ever had in their life,” Chavez said during Monday’s news conference. She emphasized the importance of mental health services and mutual support during this challenging time.
A candlelight vigil was held for Reggie Teotico on Sunday night, drawing colleagues, friends, and family members who came together to honor his memory.