SWEETWATER COUNTY, WYOMING — A truck driver is facing an attempted first-degree murder charge after prosecutors say he slipped into a rest area bathroom behind another man at the Bitter Creek Rest Area on Interstate 80 early Sunday morning and stabbed him 17 times — twice in the neck and twice in the chest — before fleeing east toward Rawlins in his semi-truck. He was in custody within 90 minutes, in part because a family at the rest area followed his truck long enough to photograph identifying information and relay it to investigators.
Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to the first 911 call at approximately 3:27 a.m. on September 13 at the eastbound Bitter Creek Rest Area near milepost 144, about 41 miles east of Rock Springs. The victim staggered out of the bathroom badly wounded and bleeding, losing his balance and collapsing at least once before he was airlifted to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Investigators documented 17 lacerations including stab wounds to his neck and chest.
What the Camera Caught
A camera on a nearby parked semi recorded the area before and during the incident. The victim can be seen walking casually toward the restroom. A man in a black sweater and blue jeans — later identified as 45-year-old Andrew Kris Bzdak — approached quickly along the south walkway and entered. Less than a minute later Bzdak allegedly bolted out and fled to his truck. The victim emerged afterward, still on his feet but not for long.
A trail of blood ran from inside the restroom through the lobby, outside the building, and beside a parked semi. A witness video showed a large pool of blood on the pavement outside and the victim lying on his back beside a trailer with his eyes closed and his left arm wrapped in what appeared to be a towel.
The Family Who Followed
A family stopped at Bitter Creek heard grunting and screaming from the men’s restroom from the women’s side of the building. A man then came running out and hurried to his truck. Rather than watch him disappear, the family followed the semi-truck east on I-80 until they were able to photograph the trailer — which had “JKC” on the back — and other identifying information, then relayed it all to investigators. A second caller reported the truck was believed to be red with a white or blue trailer and was already heading east.
The Victim’s Account
Casper police later helped investigators speak with the victim from his hospital bed. His first concern was whether his attacker was in custody. He said he was trying to use the restroom when the man attacked him from behind without warning. He turned and pushed his attacker away and that was when he saw a blue knife. No words were exchanged before the attack. No motive has been established.
The Arrest
WHP spotted Bzdak’s semi west of Rawlins at approximately 5 a.m. Troopers stopped the truck at Exit 209 near the Flying J. Bzdak complied without incident and was taken to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office. His semi was impounded. He was later transported to the Sweetwater County Detention Center.
Prosecutors charged Bzdak on Monday with attempted first-degree murder, alleging he intended to kill the man and acted with premeditated malice. The charge carries the possibility of life imprisonment under Wyoming law.
The Bitter Creek Rest Area was closed until Thursday afternoon. WYDOT said the floors had to be rewaxed following the use of chemical cleaners.
Unconfirmed Reports
Following the attack, advocacy groups have circulated reports identifying the victim as a Punjabi Sikh truck driver and calling for a full investigation, citing what they describe as growing safety concerns and hostility toward immigrant drivers nationwide. Those claims have not been confirmed by law enforcement or court documents, and investigators have not publicly identified the victim or established a motive.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Sean Snyder at 307-922-5297.
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