A late-night ride through Seattle’s Little Saigon turned violent early Wednesday when a fight between two King County Metro passengers ended with one rider stabbed in the hand near 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street. The victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment, and Metro said the bus operator was not hurt. Officers from both Seattle police and the King County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene at about 1:30 a.m.
According to KIRO 7, Metro reported that a passenger on the bus assaulted another rider during an argument, and that the two had gotten off the vehicle as the confrontation escalated. KIRO 7 also noted it was not immediately clear how serious the victim’s injury was or whether anyone had been taken into custody.
Where It Happened
The intersection of 12th and Jackson, the heart of Seattle’s Little Saigon, has been a recurring flashpoint for public safety concerns in recent years. King County Metro previously restored service to four bus stops at 12th and Jackson after a safety review and coordinated enforcement effort, according to a Metro blog post. Seattle police also investigated a February 10 stabbing near the same corner that left a man with severe hand and head injuries after a fight that was captured by the department’s Real Time Crime Center, the SPD blotter said.
Transit Safety Remains A Flashpoint
Transit safety has been under a harsh spotlight since a Metro bus operator was fatally stabbed in the University District in December 2024, an attack that spurred union calls for tougher protections and more security on the system, KUOW reported. Local coverage has also tracked Metro’s plans for physical driver barriers and other measures to cut down on assaults against operators, including steps outlined by The Urbanist.
Police have not released any details about a suspect or possible arrests in the March 4 stabbing, KIRO 7 reported. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000, according to the SPD blotter. This story will be updated if Metro or police release additional information.
