Holly MatkinQueens, NY – A New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus driver allegedly ran his wife down with an SUV with his kids inside, then jumped out and stabbed her repeatedly early Tuesday morning, according to police.
The incident occurred in the Flushing neighborhood in front of 41-80 Parsons Boulevard at approximately 5:20 a.m. on Dec. 27, AM New York Metro reported.
Police said the suspect, 36-year-old Stephen Giraldo, had his three children inside his 2005 Ford Explorer when he intentionally hit the accelerator and plowed the SUV into his wife, 41-year-old Sophia Giraldo.
The SUV flipped onto its side during the crash, but Stephen Giraldo managed to crawl out and allegedly stabbed his wife in her abdomen, AM New York Metro reported.
The couple’s three sons, ages six, nine, and 11, were not physically injured in the wreck but witnessed the horrific attacks on their mother, according to police.
Investigators said Stephen Giraldo told his sons to “keep your seatbelt on” prior to ramming the SUV into their mother, WNYW reported.
He was apprehended by police at the scene, according to AM New York Metro.
Sophia Giraldo was unconscious when officers arrived and was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital by ambulance.
WATCH: NYPD says 36YO Stephen Giraldo ran over his wife 6am in Flushing, Queens (Parsons Blvd & Franklin Ave) with their 3 sons inside SUV (11, 9, 6YO). Victim critical. Kids not hurt. Sources: Giraldo is MTA bus driver. Charged w attempted murder, endangering welfare of child. pic.twitter.com/IN7hwzqkOV
— CeFaan Kim (@CeFaanKim) December 28, 2022
She was listed in critical condition with severe neurological damage, a stab wound that punctured her liver, and broken bones in at least one leg, WNYW reported.
Sources told the news outlet the couple has had extensive incidents of domestic abuse in the past, and that Sophia Giraldo recently filed for divorce, according to AM New York Metro.
The MTA said Stephen Giraldo has been suspended without pay while the investigation into the case remains ongoing, AM New York Metro reported.
He has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, assault, and reckless endangerment.
He faces up to 25 years in prison if he is convicted.
“The brutality of the attack, and the fact that it was committed in full view of the victim’s three young children, stirs heartbreak and outrage in all of us,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz told WNYW. “My thoughts are with the children.”
Stephen Giraldo was ordered to be held without bail during his arraignment hearing on Wednesday, WPIX reported.
His next court hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 12, 2023.
Sandy Malone
