Tempe bus driver fatally stabs a man following confrontation

PHOENIX — A bus driver in Tempe fatally stabbed a passenger on Tuesday during a confrontation, authorities said.

Police said the driver, subcontracted through 1st Transit to drive a Valley-Metro Orbit bus, became involved in a verbal confrontation with a passenger, 39-year-old Dennis Momotaro, who refused to leave the bus at the last stop near Evergreen Road and Victory Drive around 11:15 a.m.

The confrontation turned physical and escalated to where the driver took out a knife when Momotaro raised a glass bottle over his head in a swinging stance, according to police.

Police withheld the name of the bus driver while the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is being consulted about possible criminal charges.

No additional information was available.

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