Bus Driver Stabbed Multiple Times In San Diego County

ESCONDIDO, CA — A bus driver was stabbed multiple times at a transit center in northern San Diego County, authorities said.

Police received a call about a man threatening people with a knife at 8:48 p.m. Wednesday at Escondido Transit Center at 700 West Valley Parkway, according to the Escondido Police Department.

"While officers were en route, the caller advised that the same male had now entered an MTS bus and was actively stabbing the driver," Lt. Ryan Hicks said. "The male suspect then fled the area on foot before police arrived."

Police searched the area and found a man matching the suspect description, later identified as Mario Joseph Felix, hiding behind a nearby Barnes & Noble.

"Felix was combative and refused to comply with police commands when he was contacted," Hicks said.

Police used 40mm non-lethal foam projectiles to take him into custody, Hicks said.

"Video evidence of the attack was obtained, and a knife was recovered near the area where Felix was arrested," he said. "Investigators discovered that Felix had demanded the bus driver's wallet before stabbing him several times."

The bus driver suffered multiple stab wounds to his torso, Hicks said. He was taken to Palomar Medical Center, where he is in stable condition.

Felix, a 50-year-old transient from Escondido, was booked into Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, resisting arrest, and violating terms of his parole. He is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, Hicks said, including two prior convictions for assaulting Escondido police officers.