Police have arrested the passenger who stabbed a Metro bus driver in Woodland Hills. Tracey Leong reports for the NBC4 News on May 25, 2023.
A Metro bus driver was hospitalized in critical condition today after being stabbed multiple times during an argument with a passenger in Woodland Hills.
The driver and suspect exited the bus around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday near Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Erwin Street and continued the argument and the suspect stabbed the driver multiple times with a knife or a sharp object, police said.
It is unclear what led up to the argument.
The driver was taken to Northridge Hospital, where he underwent surgery, police said.
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"This heinous act of violence is horrific, and the harm done to one of our Metro drivers is tragic,'' Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. “Safety on Metro is a top priority, and I will redouble my efforts as mayor and as a Metro board member to keep transit riders and workers safe.”
The suspect was described as a 6-foot tall man, approximately 21 years old, with blonde curly hair. He was wearing a red shirt, black pants and carrying a black backpack.
Video of the suspect was taken by a camera on the bus, police said. He was last seen eastbound on Owensmouth Avenue.
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“Metro is shocked and sadden to hear about this heinous act of violence and is providing support to our employee and his loved ones,” Metro said in a statement. ``We will work closely with the LAPD to investigate this incident, identify and prosecute the suspect."
Anyone with information regarding the stabbing was asked to call 877-LAPD-24-7.
