Minneapolis, Minnesota — A 43-year-old man faces serious charges after allegedly attacking a Metro Transit bus driver with a rock-like object, resulting in a significant head injury for the victim. The incident occurred earlier this week as the bus was traveling through downtown Minneapolis, leading to urgent medical treatment for the driver, who required 17 stitches to close a deep cut on his forehead.
Prosecutors have filed charges against Lloyd Alton Booyer, alleging second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon causing substantial bodily harm, as well as obstructing the operation of a transit vehicle through force or violence. According to the criminal complaint, the attack took place on October 20 near the intersection of 7th Street and Park Avenue.
Authorities were alerted to the assault and arrived at the scene to find the driver bleeding profusely inside the bus. The presence of blood on the bus floor indicated the severity of the situation, prompting immediate transport to a local hospital for treatment.
Surveillance footage from the bus revealed Booyer boarding near Chicago Avenue and Franklin Avenue East. He conversed calmly with the driver for several minutes before suddenly swinging the object and striking the driver in the face, a sound captured by the bus’s audio recording. Following the assault, Booyer fled the area, prompting law enforcement to pursue the investigation.
Investigators obtained still images from the surveillance video, which were circulated to law enforcement. A probation officer quickly identified Booyer based on distinct facial特徴 and dental issues that matched the footage. At the time of the assault, Booyer was on probation for a prior conviction.
Court records indicate that in September 2022, Booyer was involved in a separate incident where he stabbed a man in the head after asking for a cigarette. He pleaded guilty earlier this year and received a stayed sentence of 21 months, with a judge noting his suitability for probation.
Later the same day as the bus incident, Booyer was arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman outside the downtown Minneapolis library. The woman reported that he approached her and touched her over her jeans, a claim corroborated by surveillance video. He has since been charged with fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a gross misdemeanor.
Booyer made his initial court appearance where bail was set at $35,000. The conditions of his release mandate that he have no contact with the victim and prohibits him from using Metro Transit services.
If convicted of the assault charge, Booyer could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of $20,000. The charge for interfering with transit operations carries a potential penalty of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The legal proceedings are ongoing as the case develops.