Punched Him After Refusing To Pay
A Maspeth man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a bus operator last Friday, July 11, after refusing to pay the fare, law enforcement sources stated.
Mihai Iancu, 31, of 69th Street reportedly entered the bus on Metropolitan Avenue near Rentar Plaza in Middle Village around 6:45 p.m. through the rear door while carrying a dog.
Iancu then refused to pay the required fare, and would not exit the bus when the driver instructed him to, according to information from the Queens District Attorney’s office.
When the male operator tried to call the dispatcher for police assistance, law enforcement sources said, Iancu allegedly assaulted him, repeatedly punching the driver about the face. During the assault, he reportedly pulled at the bus phone, causing the cord to rip.
The operator suffered a fractured nose and substantial pain related to his injuries, according to police. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, police stated
Iancu was arrested just after 7 p.m. by P.O. Thomas Weil of the 104th Precinct. He was charged with second- and third-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal mischief and theft of service.
Iancu was arraigned on Saturday, July 12 and released on $5,000 bail by Queens County Criminal Court Judge Suzanne Melendez. He is
