Update:
Sudbury transit driver Steve Blondin is showing his wounds suffered in an attack on Sunday night. He had stopped his bus to help what appeared to be a man in distress.
"He said to drive, and that he was dying, so obviously something was really wrong. After a while I had to call my supervisor for police assistance when he did attack me with a knife." Said Steve Blondin.
Blondin managed to fend off his attacker to avoid being stabbed in the neck, but did suffer injuries to his hand and wrist.
"After that I was able to get control of the situation and pin him to the ground. Then police came on the bus and subdued him." Said Blondin.
Blondin is 25-years old and has been driving for two and half years. Despite what happened to him, he feels safe with the measures put in place by Sudbury Transit. Which include a panic button for drivers.
"In terms of the protocols that we have, I feel that yes, the tools that were available to Steve were used, he did a great job." Said Michelle Ferrigan, Sudbury Transit.
Still, Sudbury transit says the idea of installing protective driver barricades will be re-evaluated.
"There's some positive to the barriers, and some other areas where the operators says it may not be a positive experience due to the fact that they don't have that one on one with the customers." Said Ferrigan.
As for Blondin's return, it appears he could be back behind the wheel by next week.
Original story:
A Sudbury transit driver is suffering from stab wounds to his forearm and neck.
Police say a man jumped out of a moving taxi on Ramsey Lake road, and then ran to board the bus. They say he then attacked the driver with a knife.
Luckily, local officers were right in the neighbourhood at the time of the wild altercation. "When the police arrived, the transit driver had actually pinned the offender on the floor of the transit bus. The officers when they arrived, the offender still had the knife in his hand. The knife was subsequently freed; the male party was taken into custody." Said Sergeant Richard Waugh, Greater Sudbury police service.
Beefing up bus security is a top priority for the union representing transit drivers. And this latest incident has sparked new potential ideas for enhancing safety. "There are a number of steps that could be taken including increased security at the terminal, security on the buses, panic buttons and physical barriers" Said Darryl Taylor, Cupe local 4705 president
"I know there's been a huge enhancement when it comes to video on the buses and they have emergency buttons and things they've put in place. The city transit for drivers safety, and for us it's just getting there quickly." Said Sergeant Richard Waugh, the Greater Sudbury police service.
Police say the man they have in custody is known to them. He appeared in court facing multiple charges. The transit driver meanwhile is back home recovering from serious but non-life threatening injuries.
