New York City police are actively searching for a woman who allegedly sprayed an unknown substance into the face of an MTA bus driver in the Bronx. The attack happened near Bainbridge Avenue and Van Cortlandt Avenue East on a busy morning.
According to the New York City Police Department, the victim was a 33-year-old bus driver aboard the BX-10 MTA bus. Right after the assault, the suspect quickly fled the scene and disappeared. Police described her as a woman but have yet to identify her.
Fortunately, the bus driver received prompt medical care at a local hospital. Doctors confirmed he remains in stable condition. However, the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of transit workers.
This attack is part of a disturbing series of assaults targeting MTA employees across New York City in recent weeks. For instance, in Brooklyn, a man boarded an MTA bus near Lorraine Street and Hicks Street. He began a verbal argument with a 71-year-old bus driver.
Then, the man brandished a wrench and struck the driver on the forehead. Witnesses described the suspect as a Black male, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, wearing a black sweatshirt and tan pants. After the attack, he fled the scene on a scooter.
The injured bus driver suffered minor wounds and sought treatment at a nearby hospital. Police continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with information to come forward.
In a separate event at Grand Central Station, a 55-year-old MTA conductor leaned out of a conductor’s window and was punched in the face. Police later arrested a man connected to this attack on charges of second-degree assault.
Additionally, near Brooklyn’s Bergen Street station, a 68-year-old MTA cleaner was attacked on the platform. A man swung a metal pipe but missed, then punched the cleaner in the chest before running off. Emergency medical services quickly transported the victim to a hospital where he remains in stable condition.
Despite these violent incidents, overall crime on New York’s buses and subways has decreased this year. However, MTA officials emphasize they will not tolerate any assaults on their workers.
Lucas Bejarano, an MTA spokesperson, said New York State legislators recently passed tougher laws. These laws ensure attackers of transit workers face maximum penalties under the law.
Finally, the police ask the public to assist in identifying the suspects. They stress the community’s cooperation is essential to protect transit workers and keep the city safe for everyone.
For more updates, Visit DC Brief.
