BOSTON (WHDH) - A shuttle bus driver is recovering after being attacked at an Orange Line stop by a group of kids, according to officials.
7NEWS learned the driver was working by the shuttle’s Jackson Square stop in Jamaica Plain when a group of kids allegedly assaulted the employee during rush hour.
A Yankee bus spokesperson, where the driver was employed, said the victim, a 65-year-old man who returned from retirement to help out during the Orange Line shutdown, prefers to remain anonymous. He was treated for his injuries and released last night, and has minor injuries but is “in good spirits.” The spokesperson added that the driver “is grateful for the outpouring of support from TPD, BPD, and the MBTA after being attacked.”
Investigators believe the attack happened around 5:30 p.m., leaving some frequent riders shaken.
“It’s just ridiculous, but it’s the temperament of what’s going on in the world today,” rider Arnett Burdette said. “I’m praying for change. You know, not in a religious sense, but prayer in doing something about it because it’s just unfortunate. It’s just sad, and this is a great area of town.”
“I’ve never seen any violence or people being aggressive in that way before,” Zoe Sommers, another rider, told 7NEWS. “It’s always, you know, important for everyone to behave respectfully and safely on public transportation. For a lot of people, it’s not a choice if they get to use it or not, so to not feel safe and for the drivers to feel unsafe is not ideal.”
The driver was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, though details on their condition have not been released as an investigation continues.
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