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Security camera leads to arrest of man accused in GRTC driver slashing

Posted at 11:52 AM, Apr 15, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-15 17:48:29-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- A GRTC passenger was charged with aggravated assault after police said he slashed a female bus driver during an argument Tuesday night. Maurice N. Mason, 25, of Williamsburg Road, was arrested a few blocks away from where the incident took place -- along the 1600 block of Bellevue Avenue in the Northside, according to police. Police used a security camera on the bus to identify Mason as the suspect.

Maurice N. Mason (PHOTO: Richmond Police)

Maurice N. Mason (PHOTO: Richmond Police)

"Two adult male passengers were on the bus at the time the bus was returning to headquarters [approximately 9:30 p.m.], plus the female operator. The bus operator pulled over to stop the bus at Bellevue and Chevy Chase to address the customer’s concerns about where the bus was going. The bus operator explained the route was complete, and explained the final destination was Headquarters," GRTC spokeswoman Carrie Rose Pace wrote in an email. "The two passengers exit the bus once stopped. One passenger re-enters the bus. At 9:34, the bus operator hits the emergency alarm button on the bus to immediately alert GRTC Radio Dispatch of a high priority concern. After this button is pushed, the passenger slashes the arm of the operator and exits the bus. The operator is able to securely close the bus doors."

The bus driver, a 14-year GRTC veteran, was taken to the hospital and treated for a non-life threatening injury. She is listed in stable condition.

"GRTC is cooperating with the investigation, and also conducting an internal review of the incident, which is standard protocol," Pace said. "Counseling is available right now for any GRTC employees who request it."

Officials said that as a result of this incident, all drivers must go through safety training that includes conflict resolution and emergency protocol procedures.

CBS 6 News reporter Sandra Jones checked the home of Mason's last known address on Williamsburg Road. A woman who answered the door said she was Mason's ex-girlfriend, but said she had no idea he had been charged with a crime.

"He's not that type of person. He's not that type of person. He's a sweetheart," she said when asked if she was surprised about the alleged crime.

Mason is behind bars without bond.

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