Newark NJ Transit bus attack: Man punches, pepper-sprays woman who bumped into child, police say

NEWARK, N.J. — A man is accused of assaulting a woman and pepper-spraying her aboard a New Jersey transit bus.

The incident happened at about 7:15 p.m. Monday on Bus 25 after the bus stopped abruptly near Bergen Street and Springfield Avenue, according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr.

Police said the sudden motion caused the woman to bump into a child who was with the suspect as he walked past her on the bus. Although the woman apologized, the suspect became angry and began yelling at her before punching her in the face and head, authorities said.

A struggle followed as the woman tried to defend herself, and the suspect allegedly pepper-sprayed her in the face before fleeing, police said.

The bus driver ushered everyone off Bus 25 near Bergen Street and Springfield Avenue.

Officers responded to the scene, and emergency medical personnel rinsed the victim’s eyes before she was taken to University Hospital for further treatment, authorities said.

Newark police are looking for the suspect seen in surveillance footage.

Miranda urged anyone with information about the suspect’s identity to contact the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Anonymous tips are confidential and may be eligible for a reward.