NJ TRANSIT APPLAUDS SENTENCING IN BUS OPERATOR ASSAULT CASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2019
NEWARK, NJ – NJ TRANSIT commends the eight-year prison sentence handed down Friday to the assailant who physically assaulted a pregnant bus operator while she was behind the wheel of an NJ TRANSIT bus.
“Let this sentence serve as a clear and sobering reminder that NJ TRANSIT will not tolerate assaults of any kind on our employees. We will ensure any acts of violence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “This lengthy prison sentence validates the seriousness of this crime and I’m grateful to all those who brought this perpetrator to justice.”
“This sentencing should serve as a warning to those wishing to do our employees harm. You will be caught and you will be held accountable,” said New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo. “I applaud our detectives in the New Jersey Transit Police Department along with our law enforcement partners in Elizabeth and at the Union County Prosecutor’s Office for their diligent work in successfully prosecuting this dangerous individual.”
“I applaud Operator Reyes-Douglas for exuding courage in the aftermath of this senseless attack,” said NJ TRANSIT Board Member and Chairman of the New Jersey ATU State Council Ray Greaves. “Her determination in seeing to it that justice was served, not only for her, but for many other transit workers who too often are assaulted for simply doing their jobs will not be forgotten. Together, we must say, Not One More!”
On January 28, 2019, Bus Operator Reyes-Douglas was physically assaulted while operating the bus in Elizabeth. The suspect was arrested on February 13, 2019. More information on the case and sentencing is available from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 251 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.