Crime & Safety

Twins Stabbed Punctual Man on Bus, Cops Say

The brothers are accused of stabbing a man on a HART bus.

Henry Richardson just wanted to get to work on time.

Tampa police say that didn’t happen. Instead, the 62-year-old man found himself at a local hospital being treated for serious injuries following a stabbing incident on a HART bus Monday.

The trouble started around 5 p.m. at the corner of Marion and Scott streets in downtown Tampa. That’s when police say twin brothers Jorge R. Alvarez and Alexander Alvarez, both 48, attempted to board a bus at the Marion Street Bus Mall. The two acted like they didn’t have the fare, delaying departure.

Find out what's happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Richardson told the two he was going to be late for work and the driver began to pull away, Tampa police wrote in an email to media. The Alvarez brothers were still outside the bus, but produced the cash for the fare while “words were still being exchanged between the victim (who was still seated) and defendants.”

Richardson stood up and police say Alexander Alvarez produced a knife and stabbed him in the throat. Richardson began defending himself and was able to bring Alexander Alvarez to the ground. At that point, Jorge Alvarez pulled out a knife and stabbed Richardson in the chest, the email said.

Find out what's happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When the bus driver stopped, the brothers ran away, but were caught a short while later.

Richardson was taken to the hospital for serious, but not life-threatening injuries, police say.

The Alvarez brothers were charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and were booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.

Jorge Alvarez is no stranger to Tampa police. Previous arrests have included such charges as battery, assault and disorderly conduct. Brother Alexander has been arrested in Hillsborough in the past, as well, on battery and domestic violence charges, among others.

Jorge Alvarez was released on bond, but Alexander remained behind bars Tuesday evening, according to jail records.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.