TTC driver who allegedly punched rider over N-word under police probe
Toronto police are investigating reports that a TTC bus driver allegedly punched a passenger in the face this week, after the man apparently harassed him and called him n--ger, a spokesman for the transit commission says.
It's unclear whether the driver has been suspended. TTC spokesman Brad Ross would not comment on whether the employee was still on the job.
He told CBC News that the transit commission has handed over CCTV footage of the altercation to police and they are reviewing it.
A police spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
Taunted throughout the ride
The incident began on the 198 bus travelling from Kennedy Station to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Tuesday, according to an account posted by a Reddit user online.
The packed bus meant that several people were standing near the front and the passenger in question kept verbally abusing the driver, Rocker007 wrote.
"You could clearly tell this guy was high on something," the alleged witness wrote. "Finally we got to Morningside [Avenue] and the guy gets off the bus and turns around and says something like 'f--- you n--ger.' The driver just flipped out.
"This guy basically humiliated him for the last 20 minutes and now called him the N-word."
Witness account 'appears to be accurate'
The driver then allegedly got off the bus and chased down the passenger.
The pair struggled and "finally the driver punched [the other man] right in the face ... He was bleeding and out of it," according to the witness's account.
Ross confirmed to CBC that the version of events online "appears to be accurate."
Police arrived and launched their investigation, Ross said.
SMH. I hope the driver doesn't get fired. The a$$hole was assaulting the driver verbally, I hope this guy gets charged and shyt.