Man accused of stabbing victim 30 times on bus in west Phoenix
Mar 18, 2019, 4:01 PM
(MCSO mugshot)
(MCSO mugshot)
PHOENIX — A suspect is accused of stabbing a man 30 times on a bus in west Phoenix, with such force that the knife he used bent backwards.
Michael Smith, 30, is facing attempted second-degree murder charges after stabbing the man at 43rd Avenue and Buckeye Road around 2 a.m. Sunday.
According to court documents, Smith began stabbing the victim’s back in what appeared to be a random attack as they exited the bus.
The man attempted to escape the attack by re-entering the bus, but was again stabbed in his neck and side after falling in the bus.
Smith allegedly continued to stab the man, “leaving behind puddles of blood,” until a Phoenix Fire Department truck came across the scene and attempted to stop Smith by flashing its lights and honking its air horn.
Smith appeared to be cutting the victim’s neck “in a sawing motion” when firefighters found them, and their presence “did not stop (Smith) from attacking (the victim).”
Smith’s clothes “had several areas soaked in blood at the time of the arrest,” according to the documents.
The victim was in serious condition.
Smith will appear in court March 25.
