A bus driver was punched and had his nose broken by a passenger during an unprovoked attack in Surrey on Wednesday evening.
Transit Police say the incident happened at around 8 p.m. The driver had picked up a man and woman at 72 Avenue and 132 Street in Newton. The man was agitated as he boarded the bus, complaining about not being able to smoke and asking for a free ride. The driver, say police, asked the pair to sit down and carried on with his route toward Guildford.
According to police, the man then started “verbally challenging” the transit worker, who did not respond, and as the bus pulled into the left turn lane at 72 Avenue and 144 Street, the male passenger stood up and punched the driver in the face. He and the woman then fled the scene.
The driver was taken to hospital and suffered from an apparent broken nose, has blurred vision, a bruised jaw and loose teeth.
The suspect is described as a muscular white male in his mid-20s to early-30s, standing between 6’2″ and 6’4″ tall, with short bleached blond hair, clean shaven, with a large tattoo on the back of his neck. He was wearing a black leather jacket with a grey or white hooded underneath, jeans and light-coloured runners.
His female companion is described as a thin white female in her mid-twenties, with blond hair.
Transit Police are canvassing the neighbourhood for potential video. There were several witnesses to the attack, many of whom helped the driver after he was punched.
A sketch of the suspect is being composed based on witness descriptions. It is expected to be released later today.
Another Surrey bus driver was assaulted in early February. He was also punched and had his glasses taken. A suspect in that incident was arrested within days.
