Tensions began after passenger Omarri Shariff Tobias asked driver David Fullard to let him off between designated stops near the Charlotte Premium Outlets, according to reports.

Both then pulled out guns and fired multiple shots. Footage of the incident showed Tobias crawl towards the middle of the bus, near a door.

Both Tobias and Mr Fuller were taken to hospital with injuries, no other passengers were harmed, police said.

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Tobias spent six days in hospital and was later jailed for several assault charges and fined $250,000 (£202,000).

Mr Fuller was dismissed from his role as a bus driver.

A representative for the Charlotte Area Transit System said it was against company policy for an employee to have a weapon on their property or while performing their job, according to local media.