A Brooklyn MTA bus driver who was alleged to have stabbed a passenger earlier this month will not face criminal charges, as the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office decided to drop the case. Ian Bascombe, 58, was arrested after an altercation where he reportedly used a knife to defend himself against 33-year-old Quentin Branch, during an episode that took place on a B41 bus close to Foster Ave and Flatbush Ave in Flatbush. The violence erupted just before 12:30 p.m., with Bascombe allegedly stabbing Branch in the head, and leg, reports ABC 7 New York.
Following the incident, Bascombe faced initial charges of assault and weapon possession, Branch was likewise charged and has been recovering in the hospital after sustaining injuries deemed non-life-threatening. Despite the arrest, Gothamist reports that a spokesperson for the Brooklyn DA's office confirmed the refusal to prosecute, citing evidence that suggested Bascombe's actions were in self-defense. According to Transit Workers Union representative JP Patafio, video evidence supports that Bascombe was being harassed, spat on, and physically threatened by Branch prior to the incident.
"This guy was just harassing and haranguing the operator and spitting in the operator's face,” Patafio told Gothamist in a statement. “When the operator got up, he started punching him and really going after him hard and the operator defended himself.” Calling attention to the dangerous working conditions for bus drivers, Patafio urged for improved protections including partitions on buses, as well as de-escalation training for drivers.
In the wake of the attack, the MTA has suspended Bascombe pending further internal review. MTA senior vice president Frank Annicaro pressed on the matter, declaring, “Violence on buses puts New Yorkers at risk and is not acceptable,” in a statement acquired by Gothamist. However, this incident continues to raise questions about the overall safety of transit workers, and the level of support required to ensure their security on the job. Attempts to reach Branch's attorney for comment, have not been successful thus far.
