Union City bus passenger released after pepper-spraying driver outside Paramus Park Mall

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: A lone passenger who pepper-sprayed an NJ Transit bus driver outside the Paramus Park Mall this morning was released without bail on aggravated assault charges.

Photo Credit: *CLIFFVIEW PILOT Correspondent Boyd A. Loving*

Jerry DeMarco

10/16/2014 3:08 p.m.

The male driver of the #168 bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the mall was treated at Hackensack University Medical Center for injuries that weren’t deemed life-threatening following the 9:30 a.m. incident, NT Transit’s William Smith told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

Christopher Thomas, 28, of Union City was charged with aggravated assault and released on a summons to appear in Municipal Court.

Paramus police found Thomas walking from the bus and took him into custody, while EMS workers tended to the driver.

The bus was moving when Thomas apparently left his seat and walked toward the front, prompting an exchange that apparently grew heated, a source with direct knowledge of the incident told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

As the driver got up at the stop, Thomas sprayed him, the source said.

PHOTOS: CLIFFVIEW PILOT Correspondent Boyd A. Loving

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