San Jose, California – Regulus "Regis" Teotico, a 45-year-old veteran VTA bus driver, was tragically shot and killed at the San Jose VTA bus yard late Friday night. The incident, which took place just before 10 p.m., has shocked the community and left many mourning the loss of a beloved colleague and friend.
Teotico, who had been with the VTA for ten years, was well-known and respected among his peers. Carolyn Gonot, CEO of VTA, described him as a "kind, hard-working driver" and expressed her deepest condolences to his family, noting that he was a father to two teenage children. The entire VTA community is grieving this sudden and senseless loss.
The suspect in the shooting, identified as 33-year-old Duc Bui, was also a VTA bus driver and is believed to have known Teotico personally. According to Captain Sugey Jaimez of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the two had engaged in various extracurricular activities together outside of work. Preliminary investigations suggest that the motive behind the shooting was related to a financial dispute from their betting activities, which had no connection to their employment at VTA.
This tragic incident is the latest in a series of violent events that have taken place on VTA property. Many are reminded of the 2021 shooting where a disgruntled VTA mechanic killed nine coworkers before taking his own life. Cindy Chavez, a Santa Clara County supervisor and VTA board member, acknowledged the traumatic impact this recent event has had on employees, many of whom are still recovering from the previous tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has increased security at all VTA facilities to ensure the safety of employees. Grief counselors are also being made available to those affected by the incident.
The community has taken to social media to express their sorrow and disbelief over Teotico’s death. Facebook user Robert King commented, “Had nothing to do with work? Sure like fantasy football didn’t just start!” Trent Witsaman added, “All over gambling debt.” Other users, like La Luna and Tripina Casil, simply expressed shock, with comments like “No comment” and “Oooh!”
The suspect, Duc Bui, is scheduled to make his first court appearance on September 25. Sheriff Bob Jonsen called the incident a "senseless crime" and emphasized that while it was a targeted attack, its impact has been deeply felt across the community.
As the investigation unfolds, the VTA and the community remain united in their grief, hoping to find answers and prevent such tragedies in the future.