The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office says an MTA bus driver appeared before a judge for the first time Wednesday for allegedly attacking a 16-year-old boy in Midwood who was “hanging onto the bus,” according to TA Surface vice president Gary Rosario.
Michael Brown, 42, of Queens, faces a slew of charges, including assault, endangering the welfare of a child, harassment and attempted assault.
Officials say the assault happened just after 9:30 p.m. Monday near Bay Parkway and East 2nd Street while Brown was driving a bus along the B6 route.
Brown and the teen got into an argument when he allegedly punched the teen in the face multiple times.
“A male cyclist was hanging onto a bus as it was being driven,” said Rosario. “The operator saw the cyclist in the mirror and stopped the bus. When the operator addressed the cyclist about the unsafe condition the situation escalated. The incident is still under investigation.”
MTA communications director Tim Minton released the following statement:
“This matter remains under investigation. Preliminary reports indicate the cyclist was endangering passengers by engaging in reckless behavior before escalating the situation. All facts should be considered," said MTA communications director Tim Minton in a statement.
Brown is due back in court on June 17.