Rush hour knife attack injures VTA bus driver in San Jose

(KRON) — A suspect is under arrest after he allegedly slashed a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus driver several times with a large kitchen knife during Wednesday morning rush hour in San Jose.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies responded to the reported assault just after 7 a.m. near Blossom Hill Road and Hillview Avenue.

“Witnesses say the suspect, identified as Darrian Lewis, 23, of San Jose was repeatedly pulling the stop request cord,” said SCCSO in a social media post. “When the VTA bus operator confronted him, Lewis became aggressive. During the confrontation, he pulled out a large kitchen knife and slashed the driver several times.”

The VTA driver suffered three cut wounds, despite trying to defend himself against the alleged attacker who then hopped off the bus and fled, said the sheriff’s office. The victim was treated for his injuries, and his current condition was not disclosed.

Lewis was taken into custody later a short distance away after being surrounded by deputies.

He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail where he faces several felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse and probation violation.

“Violence against transit workers — or anyone on our public transportation system — will not be tolerated,” added the sheriff’s office.