An MTA bus driver was punched in the face by a passenger on Sunday while operating a Q56 bus in Woodhaven, Queens, leaving the operator injured and the suspect still on the loose, police said. The assault happened aboard a westbound bus near Jamaica Avenue, and the driver was taken to a nearby hospital. Officers later circulated images of a person of interest and urged commuters to review any phone or camera footage from the area.
Police Release Suspect Photos and Details
As reported by PIX11, the NYPD said an unidentified individual approached and punched a 35-year-old bus driver aboard a westbound Q56 at the intersection of 98th Street and Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven. Police said the attacker then fled the vehicle with the operator’s cellphone after the assault. Still images taken from bus surveillance were released as investigators worked to track down the suspect. EMS responded to the scene and transported the driver to a local hospital, according to police.
How To Share Tips
Officials are asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), submit an anonymous tip online, or text CRIMES (274637) and enter TIP577. Police are especially urging riders who were on the bus or anyone with cellphone or security footage from around the time of the incident to share it with investigators.
Transit Worker Safety Context
Assaults on transit workers have been climbing in recent years. A CBS New York investigation that reviewed internal MTA figures found 140 employees were assaulted on the job in 2022 and documented a sharp year-over-year increase in incidents. That reporting also highlighted calls for stronger driver protections, including extended glass barriers and tougher enforcement, measures that unions and city officials have been discussing.
Anyone who was aboard the westbound Q56 or who has video from the intersection of 98th Street and Jamaica Avenue around the time of the attack is asked to contact police. The NYPD’s investigation remains active.
