Attempted Murder Charged in Shooting of Toll Collector

A man authorities believe shot and robbed a Golden Gate Bridge toll collector has been charged with attempted murder, police said Sunday.

Marcellus Cooksey, 42, of San Francisco faces two counts of attempted murder, three gun charges and a robbery charge stemming from the attack, San Francisco police spokesman Sgt. Neville Gittens said.

Cooksey also faces an outstanding warrant for an undisclosed traffic violation, Gittens said.

Police recovered a handgun and an undisclosed amount of money after Cooksey was arrested, Gittens said.

The attack occurred about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, when Cooksey allegedly walked out of a stolen car in the toll plaza and appeared to argue with the toll collector. Police said the man then allegedly shot the woman in the neck and chest.

Cooksey ran from the scene and was chased by a bridge security officer who shot the suspect in the leg.

The toll collector was in stable condition Sunday after undergoing surgery, bridge officials said. They did not release her name, citing security concerns.

Cooksey’s injuries were not life-threatening, police said. He was to be transferred to San Francisco County Jail after release from the hospital.

Police said they couldn’t determine a motive for the robbery at one of the most heavily guarded sites in the Bay Area.

The shooting has rattled longtime toll collectors, many of whom view regular commuters as part of their extended families. Golden Gate Bridge spokeswoman Mary Currie said many regulars often give gifts or flowers to the toll workers during the holiday season.