Slasher Stopped 

August 22, 2025 – Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Wednesday morning just after 7:00 a.m., deputies responded to an assault on a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority bus driver near Blossom Hill Road and Hillview Avenue in City of San José.

Witnesses say the suspect, identified as Darrian Lewis, 23, of San Jose was repeatedly pulling the stop request cord. When the VTA bus operator confronted him, Lewis became aggressive. During the confrontation, he pulled out a large kitchen knife and slashed the driver several times.

The driver, who was attempting to defend himself, suffered three slash wounds. Lewis then got off the bus and fled on foot.

Thanks to quick action by our deputies, the suspect was found nearby, surrounded, and taken into custody without further incident.

Following an investigation, Lewis was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on multiple felony charges, including:

• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Criminal threats
• Concealing a dirk or dagger
• Elder abuse
• Probation violation

The victim received medical treatment for his injuries.

Violence against transit workers -- or anyone on our public transportation system -- will not be tolerated. The safety of our community remains our top priority.

Source & photo: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office