LOS ANGELES – A Metro bus driver was attacked Monday on the job, adding to a string of recent violent incidents.
It happened about 9:50 a.m. on a bus traveling southbound on Spring Street just south of Temple Street, Metro officials confirmed.
“Metro is angered that yet again a member of our community chose to assault one of our essential bus operators,” said Jose Ubaldo, a spokesman for Metro Los Angeles. “Our employees deserve a safe workplace and our customers deserve a safe ride, and we are accelerating our work to prevent crime on our system.”
The bus driver reportedly recognized the possibly homeless attacker from previous incidents and attempted to stop her from entering the bus by closing the doors, according to the LAPD, however, the suspect’s arm was pinned in between the doors, and she allegedly lunged at the driver when the doors opened again.
The suspect then grabbed the driver’s eyeglasses, broke the glasses, and scratched the driver’s face, police said.
No arrests were reported.
Metro officials said they need the public’s help to prevent and prosecute such crimes, and the organization asked that anyone with information help the LAPD apprehend the assailant by calling the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-TIPS or 800-222-8477.
