Bus driver assaulted in Madison, latest in series of attacks

MADISON, Wis (WMDX) – Police confirm a bus driver was attacked Monday morning, the latest in a series of assaults that began at the end of February.

According to the police report, the incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. on West Main Street. The 21-year-old male suspect boarded a Metro bus through the back entrance, refusing to pay the fare. The suspect became angry when he was confronted by the driver, throwing a punch at him.

A bystander waved down two detectives walking down the street, who promptly intervened and arrested the suspect. The 21-year-old is charged with battery to a public transit officer, resisting arrest, and six counts of bail jumping.

The suspect was taken to the hospital after police consulted with mental health professionals.

At least six bus drivers have been attacked this year, with the first in the recent string of incidents occurring at the end of February, when an altercation caused the driver to lose control and crash into a restaurant.

City and union leaders are working on a panel to create new safety initiatives. The city attorney proposed an ordinance change that would call for barriers to be installed in all Metro buses, protecting drivers.