NEW JERSEY — NJ Transit officials are condemning recent assaults on frontline employees and warning that those responsible will face the maximum penalties allowed by law.
In a message to customers, NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri cited two recent incidents involving attacks on transit workers, including one in South Jersey where authorities are still seeking the suspect.
One incident occurred Feb. 21 in Deptford Township, where a bus operator was struck in the face by a passenger who refused to exit the vehicle at the final stop at Deptford Mall. Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the individual involved.
A second incident took place last week on a North Jersey Coast Line train, where two conductors were assaulted during a dispute over a fare. One conductor was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while another crew member declined medical attention after being struck.
Authorities said the suspect in the train incident was quickly located and arrested by Bradley Beach police. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, as well as trespassing and theft of service.
NJ Transit officials said they are pursuing all available legal options in response to the incidents, including working to ensure prosecution and seeking to ban offenders from the transit system.
Officials emphasized that violence against transit employees will not be tolerated and urged anyone with information in the Deptford case to contact local law enforcement.
