HOUSTON - Metro officials are investigating the behavior of a bus driver who was seen waving something in her hand while arguing with a passenger in a controversial video posted online.
A person recorded the confrontation with her cell phone and posted it to YouTube. She insists the driver was waving a knife.
She claims it happened this week after the driver called a passenger "Negro."
"She already had a horrible attitude,” she said. “She said 'What’s up my Negro?' He took offense to that and told her 'You don't know me' and etcetera."
"And she's shaking (the knife) around and she said 'Don't 'F' with me, I can cut you.'" she said.
The person said eventually the passenger got off the bus.
KHOU 11 News showed the video to other passengers waiting at the downtown transit center on Wednesday.
"That's not something I was expecting to see,” said Tiana Jones.
"Totally not acceptable,” said Will Gabriel. “A bus driver has to maintain control of a situation."
Metro policy prohibits drivers from carrying weapons.
Metro spokesman Jerome Gray released the following statement:
“The cell phone video raises a number of questions regarding what happened. Safety is METRO’s top priority for customers and staff. The operator has been pulled from service as we conduct our investigation.“
The woman who shot the video believes the evidence is clear.
"I think they should let her go,” she said. “I mean, that's putting people in danger."
