Man Accused Of Attacking Metro Bus Operator In West Hills Arrested
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 24-year-old man was in custody Tuesday in the beating of a Metro bus operator in West Hills last month.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Geovanny Falcon, who was identified using Metro bus surveillance video, was taken into custody on Thanksgiving Day.
Deputies explained Falcon viciously attacked a 59-year-old female driver on Nov. 17 on board a Metro bus.
Video surveillance showed he boarded the bus in the late evening hours with a female companion at Valley Circle and Victory Boulevard.
Once on board, Falcon put a headlock on the driver and began punching and kicking her for no apparent reason, deputies explained.
According to witnesses, he was drinking heavily at the time of the crime and may have other medical problems. They described him as a transient.
Authorities reported the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries but was later released.
On Nov. 24, a news conference was held in hope of receiving the public's help in locating Falcon.
Officials explained the female companion contacted detectives shortly after the news conference, and said Falcon would turn himself in. He failed to do so.
On Thanksgiving Day, a witness called detectives after spotting Falcon at a female companions home.
He was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail on suspicion of assault likely to produce great bodily injury.
"I truly believe that it was the public getting involved that led to this arrest," said Chief Ronene Anda. "We need to continue to have outcomes like this one; where a person that would brutalize a defenseless Metro employee is taken off the streets."
Falcon is being held in lieu of almost $250,000 bail.
Anyone with further information regarding this crime is urged to contact detectives at (323) 563-5000.
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