A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times during an attack at a rest stop in Wyoming, an incident that has sparked concern among Sikh and South Asian communities across the United States.

The attack happened early Sunday morning at the Bitter Creek rest area along Interstate 80 in Sweetwater County. According to court documents, the driver, identified publicly only by his last name, Singh, was using a restroom when another man allegedly followed him inside and attacked him from behind.

The victim suffered multiple stab wounds, including injuries to his neck and chest. He managed to escape the restroom and call emergency services before being airlifted to a medical facility in Casper. He survived the attack and was later reported to be recovering from his injuries.

Authorities arrested 44-year-old Andrew Kris Bzdak after he allegedly fled the rest area in a truck. A family who had witnessed the aftermath reportedly followed the suspect’s vehicle and contacted police, helping officers locate him in Carbon County.

Bzdak has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and is being held on a $1 million bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 24. The case remains under investigation.

Investigators have not publicly established a motive for the stabbing, and authorities have not determined that it was a hate crime. However, Sikh community advocates have raised concerns about whether the victim’s identity or appearance may have played a role.

The attack comes amid heightened discussion and criticism surrounding Sikh and South Asian truck drivers in the United States. Community representatives have pointed to inflammatory online rhetoric following several deadly truck crashes involving Sikh drivers. One Department of Homeland Security social media post featuring the name “Mr. Singh” was later deleted, while DHS said attempts to connect that post to the Wyoming stabbing were unfounded and that authorities should not speculate about the motive.

Advocates are calling for a thorough investigation to determine whether bias or another motive was involved. Meanwhile, the victim is continuing his recovery and, according to his representative, hopes to return to driving his truck across Wyoming.

Sources: CNN, Associated Press, CBS News Sacramento.