MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — A holiday greeting turned violent on a Miami-Dade Transit bus on Christmas Day when a 73-year-old man allegedly stabbed another passenger after refusing a “Merry Christmas” handshake, according to police.
The suspect, identified as Reynaldo Ortega, was arrested on Dec. 25 for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon following a stabbing near Southwest 2nd Avenue and Southwest 2nd Street, according to police. Officers responded around 12:20 p.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing aboard bus #21131.
When police arrived, they found the victim bleeding from his left arm and pointing toward the bus. Ortega was detained inside, and a knife was recovered from his person, according to the arrest affidavit. The victim was transported by Miami Fire Rescue to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he received four sutures for a laceration.
Investigators say the confrontation began when the victim greeted Ortega with “Merry Christmas” and extended his hand for a handshake. Ortega allegedly slapped the hand away, began arguing, and then pulled out a knife. Witnesses told detectives that the bus driver initially separated the men, seating Ortega at the front and the victim at the rear. Moments later, Ortega allegedly chased the victim toward the back of the bus and began swinging the knife, striking him in the arm.
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Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives confirmed that Ortega pursued the victim and made repeated slashing motions. “The defendant had the ability not to progress toward the victim but chose to go after him and stab him,” the affidavit states.
During questioning, Ortega admitted to stabbing the victim, claiming he felt the victim was being aggressive. He later refused to answer further questions. Ortega was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and is being held without bond pending a hearing.