Two suspects sought in brutal beating of Baltimore bus driver, report says

(CBS) - Police are searching for two suspects in the brutal beating of a Baltimore city bus driver last Thursday, CBS Baltimore reports.

Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) officials said the driver, who remains unidentified, was beaten so severely he was rushed to a hospital with major injuries to his face.

"A man and woman on the coach began striking one of the operators, injured to the point he required hospitalization," said MTA spokesman Terry Owens.

CBS Baltimore reported that the assault started with a verbal altercation. Investigators are searching for new leads to track down the suspects.

Meanwhile, union officials said similar attacks across the U.S. are raising concerns over driver safety.

"It's like an all-out attack on operators and something needs to be done," said David McClure, presiden of the union that represents MTA drivers.

McClure said the union wants undercover officers on buses and tougher laws to prevent assailants from getting away with their crimes.

Owens said the MTA has now added audio recordings on top of video recordings to all buses.

"These are tools that can help us safeguard our passengers and employees," he said.