Snohomish County Community Transit drivers attacked

Public transit drivers in Snohomish County face a growing threat from violent passengers, with two drivers being attacked in the past three weeks.

A Community Transit spokesperson told KIRO Newsradio that a man was arrested on May 30 after spitting on a driver in unincorporated Snohomish County.

Then on June 17, a passenger got on the wrong bus and punched the driver in the face when he told him where to take the right bus.

Mountlake Terrace police informed KIRO Newsradio that a passenger was arrested for assault.

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Other recent attacks on drivers

Similar attacks are not only occurring in Snohomish County.

Five months ago, a 76-year-old King County Metro bus driver was the victim of a brutal attack at the intersection of Bellevue Way SE and Main Street in Bellevue.

The driver, an instructor working with a new recruit, encountered a disoriented man heading to Mercer Island. After being asked to exit the bus, the man brutally attacked the instructor, beating him with a stick.

Attacks on public transit workers are on the rise nationwide. In response, the Biden administration has announced measures to protect public transit workers, recognizing that attacks on bus drivers and other personnel pose a significant threat nationally.

Passengers can play a crucial role in preventing such incidents. Authorities advise that anyone who witnesses aggressive behavior or violence should be reported immediately. In the event of a conflict, passengers are encouraged to remain calm and avoid arguments or physical confrontations.

In addition, it is important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings, and if someone behaves aggressively, passengers should be prepared to respond appropriately.

Contributor: Charlie Harger, KIRO Newsradio.

Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, Here and send him an email here.