Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Passenger punches bus driver
Authorities hope to identify suspect in unprovoked attack
WEST PARK – A passenger on a Broward County Transit bus punched the driver in a unprovoked attack, and authorities are hoping video of the assault will help lead them to the suspect.
Video footage released Tuesday by the Broward Sheriff ’s Office shows the passenger getting off the bus at about 11 a.m. on Aug. 21 in the 2300 block of South State Road 7, just south of Pembroke Road in West Park.
He turns to the seated driver and starts arguing. The video then shows the passenger getting off the bus and then getting back on with his fists clenched.
When the bus driver stands up, he is hit with a hard right jab to the face.
The impact of the punch causes the driver’s face shield and baseball cap fly off, but his face mask stays on. He does not fight back.
He is seen on video following the passenger off the bus at the bus stop and the two exchange words, though it is unclear what was said. A third man riding past on a bicycle stops between the two men to separate them.
The suspect eventually walks away waving his arms.
He is described as a man in his early 20s, weighing about 150 pounds, and about 5 feet 9 inches tall.
He was wearing black clothing and carrying a white plastic bag.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue took the injured driver to the hospital. His name was not disclosed by the sheriff’s office, citing Marsy’s Law.
Investigators are asking anyone with information on the identity of the passenger to contact West Park Detective Rosa Viera at 954-985-1953.
Anonymous tips can be given to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.