VicPD have released photos of a suspect they say threatened a bus driver with a knife with hopes the public can help identify him.
Just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 15th, a BC Transit operator called police to the intersection of Fort Street and Lee Avenue, after a man had boarded the bus, threatened the driver, and then sat down.
Three stops later, the man got up and approached the BC Transit driver, pulled out a knife and brandished it at him.
Police said the bus driver called 911 immediately and after telling the suspect officers were on their way, he fled the bus and was last seen heading towards Foul Bay Road.
At the time of the incident, VicPD tweeted an initial suspect description and asked for assistance in locating him.
VicPD have released two still images of the suspect in hopes the public will recgonize him.
Police described the suspect as a Black man, approximately 50 years-old, standing 6′ tall with a slim build. He was wearing black clothes and carrying a dark blue bag at the time of the incident.
While initial reports incorrectly indicated the man was wearing a cowboy hat, video shows him wearing a black and blue toque with a feather in it.
“Our thoughts are with the transit operator and trainer who were the victims of this assault. The organization is supporting the Victoria Police, but as this is an active investigation, we cannot comment further at this time,” BC Transit said in an email statement to Victoria Buzz.
“Though incidents of this nature are rare on BC Transit buses, we take reports of inappropriate and illegal behavior within our systems very seriously and work closely with police to follow the legal process for complaints.”
BC Transit says their top priority is safety which includes:
- closed circuit television cameras on a majority of buses
- operator emergency notification protocols and enhanced radio communication to support managing on road incidents
- partnerships with first responders including police, fire and ambulance to support quicker responses to transit related incidents
The BC Transit driver was not physically injured.
“Though incidents of this nature are rare on BC Transit buses, we take reports of inappropriate and illegal behavior within our systems very seriously and work closely with police to follow the legal process for complaints.”
Anyone who recognizes this man or have information about this incident is asked to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
