Armed bus driver fights off knife-wielding attacker

Passenger pulls box cutter on driver, who fires handgun into the air; suspect caught by cops

By Greg Tepper 15 January 2013, 10:32 pm Edit

Egged bus (photo credit: Abir Sultan/Flash90)

A bus driver drew a handgun and fired warning shots into the air near the Ra’anana Junction north of Tel Aviv Tuesday evening, after he was attacked by a knife-wielding passenger.

The altercation began when two passengers on the bus fought over a seat, according to police.

When the driver intervened, one of the passengers allegedly attacked him. The driver then exited the bus and was pursued by the attacker, who pulled out a box-cutter knife and stabbed the driver.

In an attempt to defend himself, the bus driver then drew his personal sidearm and fired into the air.

The suspected stabber fled the scene and was pursued by traffic police, who happened to be nearby. The alleged attacker was later captured by Kfar Saba police.

The driver was slightly injured.