TAMPA, Fla. — Police in Tampa said a HART bus driver died after being stabbed by a passenger Saturday.

Passenger stabbed driver, then fled scene

Was caught a few minutes later

BELOW: HART statement on incident

The incident happened before 4:15 p.m. at North Nebraska Avenue between Lotus and E. Castle Court, south of Linebaugh.

Authorities said a passenger stabbed the driver, then exited the bus and ran west toward Interstate 275.

Fewer than 10 people were on the bus, according to police.

"The bus was able to pull over safely so that the people on the bus were not injured, and I'm not sure exactly how that happened," said the police department's Steve Hegarty. "We're trying to find that out."

Witness descriptions led police to a man who fled and resisted arrest.

He was eventually caught on the side of the interstate.

No names have been released.

"We are devastated by the tragic events that took place today involving our HART bus operator. We are working with the Tampa Police Department as they conduct their investigation into this horrific matter," HART Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Limmer said.



"We offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the bus operator, as well as to all of our HART colleagues."