TAMPA, Fla. — The man accused of killing a Tampa bus driver told him "God bless you" twice before killing him, according to the arrest affidavit.
Justin Ryan McGriff, 35, slit the driver's throat with a straight-edged weapon, Tampa police said.
According to the affidavit, around 4:14 p.m. Saturday, the suspect boarded the bus near Nebraska Avenue and Locust Street with a weapon concealed in his right hand. He stopped next to the driver and told him "God bless you" twice before attacking him.
Witnesses said there was no apparent provocation before the attack.
Authorities say McGriff was found nearby. He allegedly tried to run from officers, but he was caught. He was wearing clothes similar to the ones seen on the suspect on the bus' surveillance system, according to law enforcement.
Blood was apparently splattered on his shoes, and a stain on his shirt tested positively for blood, police said.
Police spoke with McGriff's former roommates, and officers claim one of them said he had been acting erratically the previous three to four days.
McGriff is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bail.
Editor's note: 10News is not naming the driver at the request of his family and HART.
What other people are reading right now:
- 3-year-old dies after 'heinous' sexual abuse, police say
- 9-year-old boy riding bike to school dies after being hit by truck in Sarasota County
- Counseling service offers special sessions for 'Game of Thrones' fans
- Gator chilling on an inflatable gator is the most Florida thing you'll see
- Father shoots intruder after finding him in daughter's bedroom, police say
►Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.