A 73-year-old Cuban man, identified as Reynaldo Ortega and listed as homeless in police records, was taken into custody after allegedly stabbing another man aboard a Miami-Dade bus on Christmas afternoon.
According to the Miami-Dade Court's official records, Ortega is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
The incident, as detailed in the police report, took place on Thursday around 12:20 p.m. on bus No. 21131 near SW 2nd Avenue and SW 2nd Street in downtown Miami.
The victim had boarded the bus and was chatting with a friend when Ortega intervened. The man offered a "Merry Christmas" greeting and attempted to shake hands, but Ortega swatted his hand away, sparking an argument before brandishing a knife, according to the document.
The bus driver halted the journey and separated the two men: Ortega stayed at the front, while the other man moved to the back, calling 911.
However, when the victim returned to the front to ask the driver to explain the situation to the 911 operator, another scuffle ensued.
The report indicates that Ortega chased the victim and slashed him with the knife, causing an injury to the left shoulder area.
The victim managed to exit the bus and was transported by Miami firefighters to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he received stitches.
When police arrived, Ortega was the sole remaining individual on the bus. Officers arrested him and found a knife in his possession during a search.
The scene was documented with photographs, and the weapon was seized as evidence.
Ortega informed the officers that he stabbed the victim because the man "was being aggressive" towards him.
Additionally, authorities discovered Ortega had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving with a suspended license.
Interviews with the bus driver and a passenger were conducted, along with a review of surveillance footage inside the bus. According to the detective overseeing the case, the footage captures the physical altercation and shows Ortega pursuing the victim with the knife, despite having the option to avoid confrontation.
Key Details About the Miami Bus Stabbing Incident
What charges is Reynaldo Ortega facing?
Reynaldo Ortega is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Where did the incident occur?
The stabbing occurred on a Miami-Dade bus near SW 2nd Avenue and SW 2nd Street in downtown Miami.
How was the victim injured?
The victim was injured in the left shoulder area after being slashed with a knife by Ortega.
What evidence was collected at the scene?
Photographs of the scene were taken, and the knife used in the attack was recovered as evidence.