LOS ANGELES — A 17-year-old boy was arrested Thursday in connection with the near-fatal stabbing of a Metro bus driver in Woodland Hills, and the driver remained in critical condition.

Due to the suspect's age, his name was not released.

What You Need To Know

  • A teenager was arrested in connection with the near-fatal stabbing of a Metro bus driver in Woodland Hills

  • The bus driver who was stabbed remains in critical condition

  • LA Mayor Karen Bass, Metro Board Chair Ara Najarian, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and LA City Council member Paul Krekorian visited the stabbing victim at the hospital Wednesday night

  • The attack was the latest violent encounter involving the Metro transit system, which has come under fire from some critics and elected officials over safety issues

At 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Los Angeles Police Department patrol officers responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at Erwin Street and Topanga Canyon Blvd. Their investigation revealed a male suspect had entered a Metro bus and had a verbal argument with the driver. After both individuals exited the bus, the male suspect stabbed the bus driver multiple times.

After the stabbing, the driver returned to the bus and secured it to protect passengers, Metro Board Chair Ara Najarian reported at Thursday’s Metro Board meeting.

The driver, whose identity has not been released, is in critical condition at a local hospital, where he underwent surgery. LA Mayor Karen Bass, Metro Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Wiggins, Metro Board Chair Ara Najarian and LA City Council member Paul Krekorian all visited the bus driver at the hospital last night “trying to give comfort to the operator’s family,” Najarian said.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore credited paramedics and the staff at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center for their work on the driver.

"The nature of the injuries he sustained were definitely beyond life-threatening," Moore said. "In many other instances, he would not have survived the level of this attack."

It was unclear what led detectives to the suspect, although Moore credited assistance from the public. Moore said police conducted a sweeping manhunt throughout the San Fernando Valley throughout the night. Police also circulated photos of the suspect captured by a surveillance camera on the bus.

He said the arrest was made early Thursday afternoon, but he offered no specifics.

“This heart-wrenching incident reminds us of the risks our frontline employees face each day as they strive to serve our community,” Najarian said. “In the face of such adversity, it is crucial that we stand strong, resolute and unwavering in our commitment to one another.”

The attack was the latest violent encounter involving the Metro transit system, which has come under fire from some critics and elected officials over safety issues.

Last night’s attack comes one week after a woman was brutally attacked on a Metro blue line train, prompting LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn to call for an accounting of Metro’s security protocols.

“I understand that fear and uncertainty may be at the forefront of our employees’ minds,” Wiggins said at the meeting. “Please know that we are unwavering in our dedication to creating a safe and supportive workplace for each and every member of our Metro family.”

In March, the Metro Board unanimously approved 48 transit security officers to serve on Metro’s buses. Hiring for those positions begins June 5, Wiggins said.