VTA Employee Arrested in Fatal Workplace Shooting Over Alleged Debt
By News Fox
Authorities in San Jose, California, have arrested a local man in connection with the fatal shooting of his coworker, reportedly over an unpaid debt. On Sunday, September 22, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Duc Minh Bui, 33, was apprehended near his home following the tragic incident. Bui, an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), is now facing a first-degree murder charge.
The victim, Regulus "Reggie" Teotico, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency personnel responded to a shooting at the VTA Chaboya Division Yard on Friday, September 20. Teotico, also a VTA employee, was described by colleagues as a dedicated worker and father of two who had been with the agency for a decade. According to investigators, the motive for the shooting stemmed from a financial dispute unrelated to their employment.
This shocking event echoes a tragic 2021 incident at another VTA facility, creating a somber atmosphere as the organization mourns yet another loss. With the community grappling with the aftermath, local authorities are emphasizing the importance of mental health support and solidarity during this difficult time.
Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation progresses.
A San Jose, California, man has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing his coworker over an unpaid debt. On Sunday, September 22, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 33-year-old Duc Minh Bui, who was apprehended near his San Jose home just after noon. The victim was identified as 45-year-old Regulus “Reggie” Teotico. Both individuals worked at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and evidence gathered by the authorities indicates that Bui is solely responsible for Teotico’s death. The incident took place on Friday, September 20, at the Chaboya Division Yard. Teotico had been with the VTA for 10 years. The initial investigation suggested that the motive behind the crime was related to money owed from betting activities between the two, unrelated to their employment at VTA. Emergency personnel found Teotico with gunshot injuries on South 7th Street near Tully Road in San Jose, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragic incident in which Duc Minh Bui allegedly shot and killed his coworker, Regulus “Reggie” Teotico, has sent ripples through the San Jose community and particularly the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) where both individuals were employed. This case has drawn considerable attention due to the circumstances surrounding the murder, specifically that it revolved around a personal debt and not workplace tensions.
The deadly shooting highlights the complexity of interpersonal relationships and the sometimes hidden stresses individuals might face outside their professional lives. Law enforcement officials, including those from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, have disclosed that this violent act was unexpected, as Bui had no prior criminal history or signs of violent tendencies.
This case also reopens wounds for the VTA community, which is still recovering from a tragic mass shooting that occurred in 2021 at a nearby VTA facility, where a disgruntled employee killed nine of his coworkers before taking his own life. This has added an additional layer of grief and trauma for VTA employees and their families, many of whom are still grappling with the emotional fallout from that earlier incident.
In response to this current tragedy, VTA’s general manager Carolyn Gonot emphasized the need to support each other and access mental health resources. Similarly, County Supervisor Cindy Chavez underscored the importance of community support and mental health services to help the VTA staff cope with this new trauma.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Teotico—a dedicated and well-liked driver who leaves behind two teenage children. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing and managing interpersonal conflicts and mental health issues proactively, to prevent such devastating outcomes.