Man Strangles MTA Bus Driver In Bed-Stuy: NYPD

BROOKLYN, NY — A B26 bus driver was strangled while on the job in Bed-Stuy on Tuesday morning, New York City Police Department officials said.

According to the NYPD, the bus driver was in a verbal dispute with the perpetrator about a car crash at the intersection of Halsey Street and Lewis Avenue, when the man punched the bus driver, grabbed him by the throat and applied pressure at 9:05 a.m. Tuesday.

Police said that this obstructed the bus driver's breathing and caused an injury to his neck and lower right jaw.

NYPD could not confirm if the car crash in question involved the bus driver.

The suspect, Shevaugh Legall, has been arrested and charged with felonies for assault on a transit worker and strangulation, NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said.

“The lunatic who vaulted a barrier to viciously punch and strangle a bus operator just trying to move New Yorkers around Brooklyn displayed utter disregard for humanity, decency, and the safety of passengers on that bus," Crichlow said. "Are you kidding with that absurd level of violent disrespect for a public servant? We are grateful to the NYPD officers who rushed to the scene to arrest this guy and now it’s up to the justice system to make sure he spends Thanksgiving locked up."

Information for Legall's lawyer was not immediately available.

This is a developing story and may be updated. For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.