Police Investigating Assault On Bus Operator
[Updated] The police are investigating an assault of a bus operator, with the suspect reportedly punching and kicking the operator after the suspect was asked to leave the bus as he was being abusive to children who were on the bus.
A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service [BPS], is investigating the alleged assault of a Department of Public Transportation bus operator which reportedly occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday 16th March, 2021, at the junction of St. David’s and Battery Roads, St. Georges.
“The operator was driving bus 2K802 along Tommy Fox Road when the suspect boarded.
“The suspect allegedly became abusive towards children who were on the bus. The operator stopped the vehicle and asked the suspect to get off.
“The suspect is understood to have then punched and kicked the bus operator about the body. The operator sustained injuries to the head, face and right hand.
“He was transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where his injuries were attended to and he was later discharged.
“Thanks to information provided by members of the public, a 55-year-old male is now assisting police with their investigation into this reported incident.
“However, with the investigation still ongoing the BPS urges anyone who may have witnessed or has any information on this incident and has not yet come forward, to please call 295-0011.”
Update 8.08pm: “This act of violence against one of our bus drivers is unacceptable,” Minister of Transport Lawrence Scott said today, adding that “violence has no place in our community, and especially on public transportation.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Department of Public Transport regrets to inform the public that one of our bus operators, Mr. Ramotar, was assaulted by a passenger yesterday afternoon while on duty in St. David’s.
“Mr. Ramotar was treated for his injuries at K.E.M.H and is recovering at home. DPT is actively working with the Bermuda Police Service in this ongoing investigation and a suspect is in custody. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Ramotar for a speedy recovery.”
Minister of Transport Lawrence Scott stated, “This act of violence against one of our bus drivers is unacceptable. The men and women of the Department of Public Transport work tirelessly day in and day out to ensure that our passengers are safe and arrive at their destinations on time.
“Violence has no place in our community, and especially on public transportation. I want to wish a swift recovery to Mr. Ramotar, and thank those that were on hand to assist him.”
“The Department of Public Transport takes matters of employee and passenger safety very seriously. Offensive behavior is a violation of the Omnibus [Conduct] Regulations 2012. Passengers traveling on public transportation are required to conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner at all times.”
Pepper spray should be legal.
Are there camera’s on buses these days? Hope they catch him.
In today’s age, Bus operators need more protection set up between them and the Public, just as it is in parts of the states.
This nasty criminal behavior has happened a number of times through the years on this rock. . This needs to stop for everyone’s safety. Nobody should be the subject of some loser’s stupidity.
Every day I ride I have to hope I have an uneventful ride. Too many people like to argue with the drivers because they say they have no money, or certain people are getting high and acting out, or some are just plain rude and aggressive!
Not very pleasant! The Bus Operators deserve much better than this. — from a non-operator.
No CCTV on buses?
This is truly sad. The school children on this bus may need some counseling.
I think its long overdue for our children to have dedicated buses. Perhaps Government or the schools should look into this to protect our children. Im sure they can contract more minibuses to carry our children to and from school so they can be protected from being exposed to this.
I hope government has reached out to the parents of these children.
Anyone who harasses or threatens and frightens children of any age, is scum who needs to be slapped as hard as possible with the full power of the law and harsh punishment.
Another work stoppage coming up.