TULSA, OK – A man is in police custody after authorities say he attacked a woman riding a city bus in downtown Tulsa, slashing her throat in what investigators have described as a random assault.
Robert J. Rhoades, 42, was arrested Sunday and faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and false impersonation, according to Tulsa police. The incident unfolded shortly after 1 p.m. at a bus station located in the 300 block of South Cheyenne Avenue.
Officers in Tulsa responded to reports of a stabbing and learned from witnesses that a male suspect had fled the area on foot. Bicycling officers patrolling nearby began a search, quickly apprehending Rhoades a few blocks away at 100 South Denver Avenue. Police said he was taken into custody without incident.
When officers searched Rhoades, they noted visible blood on his clothing and recovered a knife with fresh blood from his pocket. Authorities believe the weapon was used in the assault.
Emergency responders transported the 43-year-old female victim to a local hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery for injuries to her neck. Doctors later informed law enforcement that the patient had stabilized and that her prognosis for full recovery was favorable.
Detectives with the homicide unit responded to the scene due to the severity of the woman’s wounds. The investigation revealed that both Rhoades and the victim had boarded the bus earlier Sunday afternoon at a stop near 81st and Lewis Avenue. Officials said surveillance footage and witness statements indicated the two did not know each other and had no interaction before the attack.
As the bus approached the main station downtown, Rhoades, seated directly behind the woman, allegedly leaned forward and cut her throat before quickly fleeing. Authorities described the attack as abrupt and unprovoked.
First responders praised the actions of witnesses and the bus driver, who provided key information and immediate aid following the assault. Detectives said accounts from those at the scene helped officers locate Rhoades within minutes of the stabbing.
Police are seeking further evidence, including video from cameras installed on the bus, to better understand the sequence of events. The investigation remains ongoing.
In addition to the charges filed Sunday, Rhoades was found to have an outstanding fugitive warrant from Missouri. He is currently being held without bond in the Tulsa County Jail.
Court records did not indicate when Rhoades would make his initial appearance before a judge.