BURBANK, California – A Metro bus driver in Burbank was left hospitalized after a brutal attack at a downtown station on December 26. The public only became aware of the incident more than a week later, as Metro did not publicly announce the attack until recently. The Burbank Police Department confirmed the arrest of 32-year-old Terry Wyatt, an unhoused individual, in connection to the assault.
According to Metro, the driver was inspecting a bus when he was assaulted at the downtown Burbank station. Investigators stated that Wyatt attacked the driver unprovoked, leaving him unconscious. The driver is currently recovering at home. In response to the attack, another driver spoke out about his own experiences, stating that he had been attacked over 10 times and expressed concern about the inability to defend themselves in such situations.
This recent assault is part of a series of violent incidents involving Metro in recent weeks. In December, there were multiple incidents, including a fatal stabbing on board a train in South LA and a fatal shooting near a Metro Station in Hyde Park. The reason for the delay in publicizing the Burbank attack remains unknown.
The Metro spokesperson stated that law enforcement typically issues a media advisory about crimes, particularly if the suspect is at large. However, since the suspect was swiftly apprehended, neither the Burbank Police Department nor Metro received any media inquiries about the incident until recently. Community members stressed the importance of immediate sharing of news about such incidents, in order to keep residents aware of potential dangers.
Following the arrest, the District Attorney filed charges for felony battery and elder abuse against Wyatt. The assault has raised concerns about safety for Metro drivers and commuters, as well as the need for timely information regarding such incidents.