The suspect that was arrested at the scene for allegedly slashing a stranger’s throat on a Surrey, B.C., bus is facing an attempted murder charge.
The incident took place near the intersection of 148 Street and Fraser Highway on a Coast Mountain bus, Saturday morning.
Transit police said an initial incident first took place at a bus stop when a man approached an individual and flashed a knife. That individual then fled the area and called police.
The suspect then boarded a bus on Fraser Highway, police said.
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Around 9:30 a.m., an altercation began between two passengers, according to police. During the altercation, the suspect produced a knife and reportedly slashed the other man across the throat.
“Transit Police and Surrey RCMP attended the scene and quickly located the suspect who was arrested,” said Const. Amanda Steed, with transit police. “The victim was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.”
According to police, the victim is in his mid-30s and is expected to make a full recovery after emergency surgery.
“The nurse mentioned the only reason he survived was because the knife was dull,” Steed said on Sunday. “His injuries would have been fatal otherwise.”
According to online court documents, Abdul Aziz Kawam is charged with attempted murder, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and assault with a weapon.
Steed said on Saturday the suspect is not known to police and that mental health may have played a role in the assault.