NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A “lunatic” driver was arrested for allegedly punching and strangling a bus operator over a fender bender in Brooklyn, officials said Wednesday.
A minor accident between the bus and the suspect’s vehicle led to the assault around 9:20 a.m. Tuesday at Halsey Street and Lewis Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, police said.
It’s unclear who hit who, police said, but the argument ended with the alleged attack on the male bus operator and the driver’s arrest a short time later.
The driver, Shevaugh Legall, was charged with felony assault on a transit worker and felony strangulation, according to the MTA.
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow released a statement decrying the assault.
“The lunatic who vaulted a barrier to viciously punch and strangle a bus operator just trying to move New Yorkers around Brooklyn displayed utter disregard for humanity, decency, and the safety of passengers on that bus,” Crichlow said.
“Are you kidding with that absurd level of violent disrespect for a public servant?” Crichlow continued. “We are grateful to the NYPD officers who rushed to the scene to arrest this guy and now it’s up to the justice system to make sure he spends Thanksgiving locked up.”