SWEETWATER COUNTY, WYOMING — The truck driver who survived a brutal stabbing at the Bitter Creek Rest Area on Interstate 80 has been identified by his attorney as a Sikh truck driver from Sacramento who is still recovering after being stabbed 17 times.
The victim has asked to be identified only by his last name, Singh, because he fears for his safety.
The attack happened just before 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the eastbound Bitter Creek Rest Area near milepost 144, about 41 miles east of Rock Springs.
Victim Speaks From Hospital
Singh said he had stopped at the rest area for a bathroom break while driving to Pennsylvania.
He told attorney Jasjit Singh, director of legal services for the Jakara Movement, that he was inside the restroom when he was first punched in the back of the head.
According to Singh, the attacker did not say anything as the assault continued.
He said he repeatedly asked why he was being attacked before the man began stabbing him.
“I don’t know why this happened,” Singh said. “I don’t know why they attacked me.”
Singh suffered multiple wounds, including injuries to his neck, chest, arms, and ribs.
Driver Says Family Gave Him “Second Life”
After pushing the attacker away, Singh was able to make it outside while bleeding heavily.
A family at the rest area saw his condition and helped him while emergency responders were called.
Singh credited the family with helping save his life.
“They gave me the second life,” he said.
Authorities previously said witnesses also helped identify the fleeing truck by following it long enough to photograph information and relay it to investigators.
Suspect Arrested After Fleeing East on I-80
Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers located the suspect’s semi farther east on Interstate 80 near Rawlins.
The suspect, 45-year-old Andrew Kris Bzdak, was taken into custody without incident.
Charging documents list Bzdak on an attempted first-degree murder charge.
Prosecutors allege Bzdak intended to kill the victim and acted with premeditated malice.
The charge carries the possibility of life imprisonment under Wyoming law.
Motive Still Not Confirmed
Investigators have not publicly released a confirmed motive for the attack.
The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office has said there is no known ongoing threat to the public, and the investigation remains active.
Singh’s attorney said there are concerns about why the victim was targeted and whether bias may have played a role.
The victim was not wearing a turban at the time, according to his attorney, but he was wearing a kara, a metal bracelet traditionally worn by Sikhs.
Singh told his attorney he believes his appearance may have been part of why he was targeted.
However, law enforcement has not announced any official finding that the attack was motivated by religion, ethnicity, appearance, or bias.
Community Group Supporting Victim
Singh is receiving support from the Jakara Movement, a California-based organization that works with Punjabi Sikh and other communities.
Jasjit Singh said the community is seeking answers while Singh continues recovering from his injuries.
The Bitter Creek Rest Area was temporarily closed after the attack while cleanup and investigative work continued.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Sean Snyder at 307-922-5297.
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