BURBANK, California – A Metro bus driver found himself in the ICU after a violent attack at a downtown Burbank station on Dec. 26, with the public only learning about the incident more than a week later. The incident went unpublicized until NBC4 received a tip about what had transpired.
The driver, who was inspecting a bus at the downtown station, was assaulted unprovoked, leaving him unconscious. The suspect, 32-year-old Terry Wyatt, who is homeless, was arrested by the Burbank Police Department for the attack.
This assault is one of several violent incidents involving Metro in December. A spokesperson for Metro defended the lack of public announcement, noting that the suspect was quickly apprehended. However, community members who use Metro and live in the area believe that it was crucial for Metro or the Burbank Police to share this news immediately, citing the importance of knowing the potential dangers in the area.
Another Metro bus driver, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the prevalent issue of attacks on drivers, sharing his own experiences of being attacked over 10 times. The driver emphasized the lack of ability to defend themselves in such situations, shedding light on the daily risks faced by Metro employees.
Following Wyatt’s arrest, the District Attorney filed charges for felony battery and elder abuse against him. Additionally, the driver who was assaulted is now back home recovering, while the public continues to grapple with the series of violent incidents that have raised safety concerns surrounding Metro.
In a month where Metro has been at the center of several violent incidents, including fatal stabbings and shootings, the community, law enforcement, and public transit authorities must navigate the challenges posed by these events, making ensuring passenger and driver safety a top priority.