Two people were charged with attacking an NJ Transit bus driver in Bayonne at the end of last year over their proof of ticket purchase, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Isaac Jaquez, 28, of Jersey City, along with Elvira Salas, 24, of Bayonne, were each charged with aggravated assault, theft, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to Police Capt. Eric Amato.
Additionally, Jaquez was charged with burglary and Salas was charged with receiving stolen property.
Jaquez and Salas were taken into custody at approximately 2:58 p.m. on December 27th from the area of 48th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Officers responded to the area on a report of an NJ Transit bus driver involved in a physical altercation on the bus with two individuals, later identified as Jaquez and Salas.
Upon arrival, officers were advised that the actors had fled as they spoke with the victim (bus driver) who had sustained facial injuries during the assault.
According to the victim, as Jaquez and Salas boarded the bus with a stroller occupied by a toddler, they showed a photo of a bus pass and were denied access since the photo was not acceptable as proof of a ticket purchase.
An argument ensued which turned physical when Salas spat on the victim as Jaquez struck him in the face with a closed fist. During the assault, the victim’s cellphone fell to the ground which was taken by Jaquez before he and Salas fled the scene.
At this point, Jaquez entered a home in the area and notified the owner that he needed help. Shortly after, the homeowner notified police in the area that Jaquez had just entered his home requesting help.
Also at this time, officers located Salas and the toddler in the area of 49th Street. The on-scene investigation resulted in Jaquez and Salas being taken into custody and the recovery of the victim’s cellphone from Salas, authorities said.
