HOUSTON -- A METRO bus passenger is accused of slashing another passenger in the face, KPRC Local 2 reported.

METRO police said a man and a woman got into an argument on the No. 73 bus when it was near the intersection of West Alabama and Weslayan streets at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Honay Gray, 28, suffered wounds below her eye and on her nose. She was taken to Ben Taub Hospital for treatment.

"The male subject produced a knife and actually slashed her in the face. She wasn't stabbed. She was slashed," METRO assistant chief Tim Kelly said.

Gray told police that she was with her two boys, 6 and 7, on the bus when James Harold Thomas, 63, claimed her sons called him names. She said when she moved to the back of the bus, Thomas continued yelling and became physical with her friend. Gray said that when she stepped in, the man pulled out a pocket knife and slashed her.

"She had a cut under her eye and across the bridge of her nose. The bus operator immediately called and requested police, and we were able to respond and arrest the suspect. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault," Kelly said.

Thomas is in jail on a $30,000 bond.

There were about a dozen people on the bus. None of the other passengers was injured.

Investigators said Thomas does not have a criminal history.

"It's scary. I ride the bus, so I'm hoping this doesn't happen to me or anyone that I know," Gabriela Diaz said. "There's all types of different people that get on the bus."

Gray received 18 stitches in her face. She is recovering at home.

"I'm OK physically, but it'll be a while before I'm there mentally," Gray said.

METRO Police Department officials said these types of incidents are rare.

"Riding the METRO bus is a relatively safe endeavor. In 2008, we averaged three incidents a month," Kelly said.

More Information:

METRO Bus Safety & Security Measures