One Year Ago Today (May 24, 2023)…A Metro bus driver was stabbed multiple times during an argument with a passenger in Woodland Hills and is hospitalized in critical condition.
The driver and suspect exited the bus around 5:15 p.m. 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.
“The Department has mustered a number of night watch detectives and uniform personnel to investigate this senseless attack,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore tweeted at 8:10 p.m. “Detectives are speaking with witnesses and gathering video evidence. Numerous uniform officers are conducting a grid search of the area.”
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.
The suspect was last seen eastbound on Owensmouth Avenue, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the stabbing was asked to call 877-LAPD-24-7.
“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.”