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City transit driver charged with assaulting passenger

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 08/13/2012 11:56 AM

A Winnipeg Transit driver is facing an assault charge following an incident Saturday morning.

The 53-year-old driver was arrested Saturday afternoon after a woman complained that she had been pushed and beaten earlier that morning by the driver of a transit bus on University Crescent, police said this morning.

Police said the woman boarded the bus at about 7:35 a.m. and was cautioned by the driver about putting her feet up on the seat, and for falling asleep.

The driver asked the 23-year-old woman to get off the bus, and when she refused it’s alleged he threw her belongings out the rear door. The woman retrieved her bag and re-entered the bus, which, police said, then led to a physical altercation when it is alleged the driver tried to remove her from the bus.

The woman demanded the driver call police, but he refused. When the bus stopped about 7:50 a.m., the woman left the bus and notified police.

Police said the suspect was arrested at 12:40 p.m. and released on a promise to appear in court.

It’s not known if the driver remains on duty. A City of Winnipeg spokeswoman said Winnipeg Transit would not comment as it is a personnel matter