Update: Alleged assault on transit driver investigated

Update

A dispute over smoking led to a Vernon transit driver getting attacked and ending-up in hospital Monday morning.

Police say the 59-year-old male driver for B.C. Transit was attempting to tell a man sitting on a bench at the downtown transit exchange that smoking was not allowed when he was allegedly grabbed and assaulted.

“On August 19, 2019 at 8:45 am, the bus driver pulled into the station and noted a man sitting on one of the benches smoking a cigarette. As there is no smoking in or around the transit station, the bus driver exited his bus to speak with the man. When the bus driver approached the man, he was grabbed and physically assaulted,” said RCMP Cpl. Tania Finn

The suspect also spat on a woman who tried to intervene in the incident.

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“Our officers arrived on scene within minutes and located the man a short distance away,” said Finn. “Police arrested him without further incident.”

A 24-year-old man was arrested.

The bus driver suffered non life threatening injuries.

“Police have interviewed a number of witnesses from the scene and the investigation continues,” Finn added.

Original story

B.C. Transit is working with the RCMP after an alleged assault on a transit driver in Vernon.

The agency isn’t providing details other than to say they are aware of an alleged “operator assault” this morning, and are working with their local operating company, First Transit, to ensure the driver receives the support required.

“We are working with the police to ensure this matter is handled appropriately, therefore cannot provide further comment on this specific incident. Please contact the RCMP if you have further questions,” an email from B.C. Transit media relations said.

Vernon Matters has reached out to RCMP for more details.

Unconfirmed reports on social media suggest the driver was attacked near the downtown transit exchange after asking a passenger to not smoke on a bench around others in that area.