Homeless Woman Violently Attacks LA Bus Driver in Disturbing On-Scene Footage
On Sunday, a horrific incident unfolded in South Los Angeles as a homeless woman brutally attacked a bus driver. This alarming event is the latest in a string of violent attacks on Metro transit operators, reigniting concerns about passenger and employee safety.
The Attack
Just before 1:00 p.m., a homeless female boarded a L.A. Dash bus near the intersection of South-Central Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard. Refusing to pay the fare, the woman became increasingly agitated.
According to eyewitnesses and video footage obtained by KTLA, the situation escalated quickly. The woman, later identified as a transient, assaulted the female bus operator. She was seen pulling on the driver’s uniform and landing a blow to her face.
Violent Struggle
The bus driver, protected by a plexiglass barrier, fought back against her attacker. The two women became embroiled in a violent struggle, lasting for several minutes.
Graphic video captured on a bystander’s phone shows the relentless nature of the attack. The homeless woman repeatedly attempts to drag the driver out of the bus, while the driver desperately clings to the steering wheel.
Driver Gains Control
After several heated minutes, the bus operator managed to break free from the woman’s grip and get back behind the wheel. She shut the attacker out of the vehicle and drove off.
Recent History of Violence
This attack comes just two days after dozens of Metro transit operators staged a “sick out” to protest ongoing safety concerns. In recent months, several violent incidents have taken place on public transit in Los Angeles:
- April 22: A Metro train passenger was stabbed to death in Studio City by a transient.
- Earlier in April: A bus driver was stabbed by a passenger in Willowbrook.
- March: A transient hijacked a Metro bus with an airsoft gun and crashed it into the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Los Angeles.
Concerns for Safety
The latest attack has reignited concerns among Metro riders and employees about their safety on public transit. Last week, a member of the LA Metro board expressed her reluctance to ride the bus alone at night due to safety concerns.
Investigation and Charges
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has taken the female suspect into custody. It is unclear at this time what charges she will face.
It is also unclear if the bus driver sustained any serious injuries or was treated at a local hospital.
The attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges and risks faced by public transit workers and passengers in Los Angeles. Metro and local authorities are working to address safety concerns and ensure a safe environment for those who rely on public transportation.
For the latest information on Metro safety, visit the LADOT website.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
