September 10th, 2021 – 10:18 AM

WBHF Radio –

(Via WBHF Radio) The state of Minnesota charged a Cartersville man Thursday after authorities say he stabbed a Metro Transit driver repeatedly with a pen and screwdriver.

The Pioneer Press reports that 22-year-old Brandon Tyler Collins was charged with second-degree assault and obstructing transit operations.

Metro Transit and St. Paul police responded to Fifth and Minnesota streets in downtown St. Paul about 5 a.m. after a complainant reported that someone was assaulting a bus driver.

When officers arrived, they found Collins punching the 63-year-old driver with such violence that the officers had to wrestle him to the ground to get him to stop.

The driver had multiple puncture wounds on his body and had blood all over his clothing. The complaint states he was shaken and scared.

The driver told police that he parked at the intersection with the doors closed when Collins ran up to the bus screaming for help. He said he opened the bus door, and Collins entered but refused to pay the fare.

The driver told him to get off the bus. However, the complaint stated that Collins began punching the driver repeatedly and stabbing him multiple times with a pen and screwdriver while screaming “hateful words” at him.

First responders took the driver to the hospital. The complaint states that surveillance video confirmed the attack.

Collins is at the Ramsey County Jail. His next court appearance is October 21st.