Back-to-back violent incidents on buses raise safety concerns among commuters

On Friday, a dispute on a B41 bus turned violent when passenger Quentin Branch allegedly spit on and hit the bus driver, Ian Bascombe.

Shakti Denis

Dec 16, 2024, 11:43 PM

Updated 12 days ago

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Two violent incidents on MTA buses in Brooklyn within days have left some commuters questioning their safety.
On Friday, a dispute on a B41 bus turned violent when passenger Quentin Branch allegedly spit on and hit the bus driver, Ian Bascombe.
Police say the driver stabbed Branch in the head and leg. Both men were arrested, but the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office later dropped charges against Bascombe. Sources tell News 12 he acted in self-defense.
Two days later, a 25-year-old man was struck by stray bullets when a B15 bus was caught in the crossfire of a shooting in Brownsville early Sunday morning. The rider was rushed to Brookdale Hospital and is recovering.
“Violence on buses puts New Yorkers at risk and is not acceptable," the MTA said in a statement.
But some commuters are calling for increased safety measures on buses.