Statement from NYC Transit SVP, Buses Frank Annicaro Regarding Attack on Bus Operator

The attack on a bus operator was outrageous, utterly unacceptable and could easily have turned tragic. We are grateful for the rapid response, intervention and arrest by NYPD officers who took the knife-wielding perpetrator into custody. 

The investigation is in early stages and will be conducted by the NYPD. Based on witness video and statements, the perpetrator becomes enraged when a southbound M15 bus is stuck in traffic at Madison and Catherine Streets, yelling and cursing at the bus operator for not driving faster. 

When the bus arrives at its downtown terminal near South Ferry at approximately 12:10 p.m., the attacker punches the 58 year-old operator, and when the operator attempts to defend himself, this perpetrator pulls a knife from his pocket. It appears tragedy is averted only because the operator is able to disarm the attacker and hold him as police officers arrive. 

It is lunacy for anyone to take out frustration for traffic congestion on a transit employee just trying to drive New Yorkers where they need to go, and intolerable that a bus operator suffered injuries to his face requiring hospital treatment as a result. It's now up to prosecutors to deliver justice with serious charges and maximum consequences.