Attack on Greyhound bus causes fatal crash

FRESNO, Calif. -- A transient was booked on suspicion of murder Tuesday for allegedly slashing the throat of a Greyhound bus driver with a pair of scissors, causing a crash that killed two passengers.

The bus, heading from Los Angeles to San Francisco, flipped on its side Monday evening and slid into a field off Interstate 5 near Fresno. It was carrying 50 passengers.

The suspect, Arturo Martinez, 27, was held on two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Authorities said they did not know of any motive.

"He has told us several stories about why he did what he did," sheriff's Lt. Margaret Mims said. She said authorities were checking to see whether drugs, alcohol or mental problems played a role.

According to witnesses, the man rose from his seat shortly before 9 p.m., walked briskly up to the driver and attacked him with the scissors. The driver survived.

"It happened very quickly. He immediately stabbed the driver, too quickly for the passengers to take action on their own," Mims said. She said the driver "struggled, tried to defend himself and lost control of the bus."

Authorities caught Martinez as he tried to run away.

Greyhound Lines spokeswoman Lynn Brown said 26 passengers and the driver were taken to hospitals. Three people, including the driver, remained hospitalized Tuesday at a Fresno hospital, where they were listed in fair condition.