(TheProudRepublic.com) – In a deeply troubling incident that unfolded in Newark, New Jersey, a New Jersey Transit bus driver has been arrested following a violent confrontation with a passenger, which was captured on camera.
See a social media video of the incident in the tweet below!
The altercation took place on a bustling bus during its mid-route journey on a Friday afternoon, according to a report by RLS Media, cited by The New York Post.
The confrontation reportedly escalated after the passenger allegedly spat on the driver, who is identified as Toron Walker.
Video footage from the scene appears to show Walker aggressively subduing the passenger.
Initially, Walker was seen pinning the man down onto a bus seat by the neck and subsequently throwing him onto the aisle floor.
The footage continues to show Walker delivering multiple strikes to the passenger’s head.
During the altercation, Walker was heard vehemently shouting, “You f—ed up. What the f–k is wrong with you? You want to spit?”
This was as he delivered repeated punches to the beleaguered commuter.
At a critical juncture, Walker reportedly secured the man in a chokehold, an action that incited panic among the passengers, who vocally demanded he cease his assault.
The situation reached a climax when law enforcement officers boarded the stationary bus at the intersection of Court Street and Broad Street.
Upon their arrival, they reportedly found Walker still engaged in physically assaulting the passenger.
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé provided these details, noting that Walker was immediately restrained and faced charges of aggravated assault as a result.
In an interesting turn of events, the straphanger was also charged with aggravated assault, accused of instigating the violence by spitting on Walker, as Fragé elaborated.
Despite the severity of the encounter, it was reported that the passenger did not sustain serious injuries.
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by both police and New Jersey Transit authorities to delve deeper into the circumstances and appropriateness of the responses by all involved.
“This matter is currently under investigation, and we’re unable to comment on any specific details at this time. We don’t condone any form of assault aboard any of our vehicles or within our facilities,” a spokesperson from NJ Transit said.
The spokesperson also confirmed that Walker had been assaulted prior to the altercation, emphasizing the gravity of such actions against transit employees.
Bus driver absolutely demolishes a passenger after the man allegedly spit on him in Newark, New Jersey.
The driver could be heard directing people to the back of the bus to keep them out of harm's way before he started walloping on the man.
It is unclear what happened… pic.twitter.com/qezySafvbo
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 19, 2024
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