Thywill Anasu, 29, was arraigned on Thursday, April 30, on first- and second-degree assault, both violent felonies, according to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
The upgraded charges stem from the April 4 incident, when Anasu allegedly attacked a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus driver after a collision involving the bus and his vehicle, as Daily Voice previously reported.
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. that evening at the intersection of Riverdale and Ellsworth avenues in Yonkers. According to prosecutors, after the two exited their vehicles, Anasu placed the driver in a chokehold, applied pressure to his throat, and threw him to the ground, causing the victim to hit his head on the pavement.
He then allegedly struck the driver multiple times in the face with a closed fist.
The victim, identified by his union as 59-year-old Johnny Rodriguez, suffered serious injuries, including a brain bleed, and was taken to Jacobi Hospital for treatment.
During Thursday’s court appearance, prosecutors asked that bail be increased to $50,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond. However, Westchester County Court Judge George Fufidio declined to raise bail, keeping it at the level previously set by a lower court.
Anasu remains out on bond. A temporary order of protection remains in place on behalf of Rodriguez, and the case was adjourned to May 14.
Members of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, including President John Chiarello, attended the arraignment in support of Rodriguez, the DA's Office said.
The case was investigated by the Yonkers Police Department and is being prosecuted by the DA’s Office.
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