Phoenix, December 26, 2025
On Christmas morning, a verbal altercation on a Valley Metro bus in Phoenix escalated into a stabbing incident. The altercation occurred near 13th Avenue and Van Buren Street after both men exited the bus, leaving one hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The Phoenix Police are actively searching for the suspect who fled the scene and are urging anyone with information to come forward. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding public transit safety.
Phoenix: Christmas Morning Stabbing Follows Bus Altercation, Suspect At-Large
Phoenix, Arizona – A verbal altercation on a Valley Metro bus escalated into a stabbing on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025, leaving one man hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police are actively searching for the suspect involved in the incident, which occurred after the individuals exited the bus near 13th Avenue and Van Buren Street.
Details of the Christmas Day Incident
The Phoenix Police Department reported that officers responded to a call regarding a stabbing at approximately 9:05 a.m. on Wednesday. The incident began with an argument between two men on a Valley Metro bus. The confrontation continued after both individuals exited the bus in the vicinity of 13th Avenue and Van Buren Street, at which point one man was stabbed. The Phoenix Fire Department transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, which have been described as serious but not life-threatening. The identity of the victim has not been released by authorities.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance
Authorities have confirmed that the individual responsible for the stabbing fled the scene and remains at-large. The Phoenix Police Department has launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect. Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Members of the public can contact the police directly or utilize Silent Witness, a program that allows individuals to provide anonymous tips. The contact numbers provided for Silent Witness are 480(WITNESS) and 480(TESTIGO).
Public Transit Safety in Phoenix
This incident occurs amidst ongoing efforts by Valley Metro to enhance safety and security across its public transit system. Recent data from a November 2025 survey indicated positive feedback from riders regarding their experience, with many reporting increased feelings of safety and improved cleanliness on buses and light rail services.
Valley Metro officials have attributed these improvements to several initiatives, including a more visible presence of law enforcement personnel and increased engagement with social services. These measures have reportedly contributed to a significant reduction in security incidents. According to Valley Metro, light rail security incidents saw a decrease of more than 50% year-over-year, and assaults on bus operators plummeted by over 60% in the first half of 2025 compared to the latter half of 2024. Additionally, enhanced training for bus operators has been implemented to further improve safety on board.
Despite these positive trends in overall public transit safety, isolated incidents such as the Christmas Day stabbing serve as a reminder that vigilance is still necessary. Valley Metro consistently emphasizes that safety is a shared responsibility among all passengers and staff. The agency provides guidelines and tips for safe travel, encouraging passengers to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities or altercations to ensure the well-being of the entire community.
The investigation into the Christmas morning stabbing is continuing, with police dedicated to bringing the suspect to justice and maintaining public safety on and around Phoenix’s transit system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on Christmas morning in Phoenix?
- On Christmas morning, December 25, 2025, a verbal altercation between two men on a Valley Metro bus escalated into a stabbing after they exited the bus.
- Where did the stabbing occur?
- The stabbing occurred near 13th Avenue and Van Buren Street in Phoenix, after the individuals involved exited a Valley Metro bus.
- What is the victim’s condition?
- The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening stab wounds and was transported to a local hospital by the Phoenix Fire Department.
- Has a suspect been apprehended?
- No, the suspect in the Christmas morning stabbing is currently at-large.
- How can the public provide information about the incident?
- Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness at 480(WITNESS) or 480(TESTIGO).
- What is the general safety outlook for Valley Metro?
- A November 2025 survey indicated improved rider perceptions of safety and cleanliness on Valley Metro. Security incidents on light rail decreased by over 50% year-over-year, and bus operator assaults dropped by more than 60% in the first half of 2025 compared to the latter half of 2024, attributed to increased law enforcement presence, social service engagement, and operator training.
Key Features of the Christmas Day Stabbing Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | December 25, 2025 (Christmas Morning) |
| Event Time (Police Response) | Approximately 9:05 a.m. |
| Location | Near 13th Avenue and Van Buren Street, Phoenix (after exiting a Valley Metro bus) |
| Nature of Incident | Verbal altercation leading to a stabbing |
| Victim’s Condition | Serious but non-life-threatening stab wounds, hospitalized |
| Suspect Status | At-large |
| Investigating Agency | Phoenix Police Department |
| Public Information Line | Silent Witness: 480(WITNESS) or 480(TESTIGO) |
Now Happening on X
- @12News (December 25, 2025, 10:16 AM): A verbal altercation on a Valley Metro bus in Phoenix escalated to a stabbing, with the suspect still at-large according to police updates. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 26, 2025, 6:30 AM): Phoenix Police are searching for a suspect who stabbed a man following a fight on a bus on Christmas Day, leaving the victim hospitalized with serious injuries. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 25, 2025, 4:30 PM): Police confirm a man was stabbed after a bus altercation in Phoenix on Christmas, with the suspect remaining at-large and under active investigation. View on X
- @rdavisfox10 (December 25, 2025, 10:53 AM): One person stabbed with serious injuries near 13th Ave and Van Buren in Phoenix, suspect outstanding as Phoenix Police investigate the circumstances. View on X
- @KTAR923 (December 25, 2025, 11:21 AM): A man was hospitalized after a stabbing in Phoenix on Christmas morning, with authorities reporting the suspect is still at large. View on X
- @azcentral (December 24, 2025, 1:30 PM): A man was found dead in Phoenix in what police are investigating as a homicide. View on X
- @12News (December 23, 2025, 3:33 AM): A suspect shot a woman and barricaded himself in a home in Phoenix, with police detailing the sequence of events in their ongoing investigation. View on X
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