2 arrested after Calgary Transit bus driver assaulted in downtown: police

An off-duty Calgary Transit bus driver was pepper-sprayed and assaulted in southeast downtown Saturday, investigators say.

Reports came in at around 6:30 p.m. for the assault at 7 Avenue near Centre Street SE.

Calgary police Staff Sgt. Mike Kelm says the driver was walking in the area when two individuals approached him.

He says the suspects launched the attack at the driver, then one followed up with a blast of bear spray. The driver was treated on the scene and released with minor injuries.

Kelm couldn’t say what led to the attack, but adds that officers caught up with one of the suspects a short time later, an adult man, and the other after.

He says the suspects were found with the help of witnesses.

“We always advise people to make themselves good witnesses. Observe and make note of whatever you can, and be prepared to articulate yourself to police with that information,” he said.

“Sometimes that’s better than getting physically involved.”

This comes as attacks on transit workers have continued in Calgary.

In May, a bus driver was badly injured after being ambushed while working his northeast route. Mayor Jyoti Gondek called the attack jarring and unacceptable.

At the time, police said they believed the driver’s refusal to deviate from the designated bus route prompted the attack.

He was initially taken to hospital in life-threatening condition. Two suspects were charged.

Two Calgary Transit bus drivers were among three who were assaulted by a drunk man in June, and an 11-year-old boy wielding a knife confronted a bus driver at the Erlton station in July following a robbery.

City councillors approved a $15-million ask to equip city buses with enhanced security shields.