Suspect charged in violent beating of MTA bus driver in Yonkers
The suspect is a 29‑year‑old man from Manhattan who has been charged with second‑degree assault.
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An arrest has been made in the violent assault of an MTA bus driver that left the longtime employee hospitalized after a weekend incident in Yonkers.
The suspect, 29‑year‑old Thywill Anasu, of Manhattan, has been charged with second‑degree assault.
The head of the Transport Workers Union is calling for upgraded charges.
"To body slam and hit his head against the concrete, I saw it clearly and I don't think any judge or any prosecutor should have a problem. He should spend a good amount of time in jail," said TWU Local 100 President John Chiarello.
Anasu was arraigned Wednesday afternoon at Yonkers City Court. His mother defended her son outside the court.
"He didn't do anything wrong and he didn't do this. I don't believe he did this," said Anasu's mother.
Yonkers police shared surveillance video of the moments leading up to the attack. It happened Saturday night near the intersection of Riverdale and Ellsworth avenues shortly before 8:30 p.m. after a minor collision between an MTA bus and another vehicle.
Both drivers exited their vehicles following the crash.
Authorities said the other driver, identified as Anasu, attacked the bus operator, throwing him to the ground before fleeing the scene.
The victim was identified as Johnny Rodriguez, a 13‑year veteran of the MTA. Rodriguez was taken to the hospital due to his injuries.
Anasu is expected to be back in court on April 14. His bail was set at $5,000.
