A man accused of stabbing an MTA bus driver in Brooklyn was released after a grand jury failed to indict him within the required timeframe, police and prosecutors said Monday.
Malachi Houston, 27, was arrested on July 8, charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing a 60-year-old bus driver on June 8 at Pitkin and Alabama avenues in East New York. Despite the serious charge, Houston walked free because the grand jury did not return an indictment within six days.
The incident began when Houston allegedly became enraged over the bus’s direction, leading to a heated argument. The altercation escalated, and Houston reportedly stabbed the driver in the neck before fleeing the scene. The driver was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital in stable condition.
Houston’s release has raised concerns due to his criminal record, which includes previous arrests for drug possession and grand larceny. Despite the grand jury’s inaction, the investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors may present additional evidence.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene with bloodstains on the bus, illustrating the violent nature of the attack. A fellow bus driver, D. McClain, called for increased protection for transit workers, highlighting the dangers they face from unpredictable passengers.
In addition to this incident, two other bus drivers in New York City were attacked in separate incidents around the same time, underscoring the need for improved safety measures for transit employees. The community awaits further developments as the case continues to unfold.
