NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- A veteran MTA bus driver was stabbed in the neck by an irate passenger in Brooklyn over the weekend, police said Monday as they released images of the suspect.
The 60-year-old driver was operating a B99 bus at Pitkin and Alabama avenues in East New York at 11:30 a.m. Saturday when a passenger started arguing with him, according to cops.
The dispute was over a route detour, according to the TWU Local 100 union, which represents transit workers. The union said the victim has been a driver for 17 years.
During the altercation, the rider took out a sharp weapon and plunged it into the driver's neck, near his jaw line, according to police and the union.
The driver initially thought he'd been punched, but soon realized the severity of his injury, as he was "bleeding profusely," TWU Local 100 said.
"Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, he safely stopped the bus and called for assistance," the union said. No passengers were injured.
EMS transported the driver to Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, where he was in stable condition.
TWU Local 100 released a photo showing the victim at the hospital with his neck bandaged.
"The safety of our drivers is non-negotiable," said TWU Local 100 president Richard Davis. "This violent attack on one of our own is an attack on us all. We will not rest until the assailant is brought to justice."
The stabber fled the bus and fled westbound on Pitkin Avenue, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.