An L.A. Metro bus driver was critically injured after being stabbed a number of occasions Wednesday night in Woodland Hills, in response to the Los Angeles Police Division.
Authorities mentioned the stabbing occurred round 5:15 p.m. close to the intersection of Erwin Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
The assailant — described as a 21-year-old man sporting a purple shirt, black pants and black backpack — was final seen fleeing on Erwin Road towards Owensmouth Avenue, authorities mentioned.
The stabbing occurred after the person boarded the bus and obtained into an argument with the driving force, in response to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Each the person and the driving force obtained off the bus through the course of the argument, which ended with the person stabbing the driving force, in response to authorities.
“Metro is shocked and saddened to listen to about this heinous act of violence and is offering assist to our worker and his family members,” the company mentioned in an announcement. “We’ll work intently with the LAPD to analyze this incident, determine and prosecute the suspect.”
The bus driver was taken to a neighborhood hospital the place he underwent surgical procedure and is listed in vital situation, in response to the LAPD. No further particulars in regards to the driver had been instantly obtainable.
In a tweet, LAPD Chief Michel Moore mentioned his division “has mustered various evening watch detectives and uniform personnel to analyze this mindless assault.”
Mayor Karen Bass additionally condemned the stabbing.
“This heinous act of violence is horrific and the hurt achieved to considered one of our Metro drivers is tragic,” she mentioned in an announcement. “I be part of the whole metropolis household in praying for him tonight, and my coronary heart additionally goes out to his household.”
The stabbing represents the most recent act of violence aboard L.A. public transit. Final week, a 53-year-old lady was attacked aboard an A Line practice in Lengthy Seashore. The incident prompted Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn to name for a “full accounting” of Metro safety employees through the assault.
“Security on Metro is a prime precedence, and I’ll redouble my efforts as mayor and as a Metro board member to maintain transit riders and employees protected,” Bass mentioned.
