2 men arrested in connection with attack on Calgary Transit driver

A city bus driver was stabbed and beaten with a pipe after stopping along his route in northeast Calgary. Police have arrested two males.

Calgary police say two people have been arrested after assaulting a bus driver early Wednesday.

At 1:12 a.m., a Calgary Transit driver was attacked by two people near Falconridge Boulevard and Castleridge Boulevard N.E., police said.

Officials say the pair became violent after the victim refused their request to deviate from his route.

Police said there was one passenger on the bus at the time who attempted to stop the attack. They were not seriously hurt.

The suspects fled the scene after the assault.

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The victim was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition but has since been upgraded to stable condition.

Police say the situation was “highly concerning” for members of the public and is working to ensure all supports are in place for those that need them.

“We remain committed to ensuring safe public spaces, including on transit, by taking action to reduce crime and social disorder through focused collaborative enforcement,” said Acting Supt. Gerry Francois in a statement.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek, speaking to media later in the day, said the situation was “devastating” for Calgary.

“A city bus driver — someone just doing their job — was attacked and badly injured. My heart goes out to him and his family. Our transit operators are public servants. They deserve to be safe while serving Calgarians.”

Charges are pending against the suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

• TALK: 1-800-222-8477
• TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
• APP: P3 Tips