UTA bus driver hospitalized after confrontation with cyclist
Dec 1, 2022, 5:38 PM
A witness snapped a photo at the incident when the bike rider was pedaling away from the scene where the bus driver was injured on the ground. (User submitted photo)
(User submitted photo)
SALT LAKE CITY — A bus driver was transported to the hospital with a broken hip after an confrontation with a nearby bike rider.
UTA spokesman Carl Arky said the bus came to a stop on his route near 970 S., 900 East when the cyclist approached the bus driver’s window and started yelling, and pushed his mirror in.
When the driver — identified by UTA as “an older gentleman” named Paul Bateman — got out to push the mirror back, the cyclist allegedly pushed Bateman to the ground.
A witness who wished to not be identified, said several witnesses came to the drivers aide while they waited for UTA police and an ambulance.
“The man was inches away from hitting his head on a rock wall,” the witness told KSL TV.
The bus driver was near a concrete brick wall where he was injured. (user submitted photo)
He was transported to the LDS Hospital with a broken hip for possible surgery.
Arky said the cyclist left the scene, but later called authorities to tell them he was involved. Arky does not know if the cyclist was ever taken into custody.
