'My blood is boiling right now.' Transit workers outraged after suspect in violent bus driver attack remains free
Prosecutors say 29-year-old Thywill Anasu of Manhattan is accused of putting MTA bus driver Johnny Rodriguez in a chokehold and slamming him to the ground after a crash in Yonkers in April.
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Local bus drivers are demanding upgraded charges after a man accused of choking an driver and slamming him to the ground remained free following a court appearance.
Prosecutors say 29-year-old Thywill Anasu of Manhattan is accused of putting MTA bus driver Johnny Rodriguez in a chokehold and slamming him to the ground after a crash in Yonkers in April. Rodriguez was hospitalized for more than a week.
Union officials also say Anasu was arrested in connection with another case in the Bronx while out on bail. Police say he is accused of stealing air-conditioning units from an active fire scene in August and injuring an FDNY fire marshal while fleeing. He faces multiple charges, including assault, burglary, grand larceny and reckless endangerment in that case.
Anasu returned to Westchester County Court today as union members called for increased bail and upgraded charges. Neither happened, prompting outrage outside the courthouse.
“My blood is boiling right now,” TWU Local 100 President John Chiarello said. “To come out of court and see this criminal, who did absolute damage to our member, be let go into the public.”
Chiarello warned other transit workers to “watch your back,” pointing to allegations that Anasu committed another crime in the Bronx while free on bail.
Rodriguez called the outcome a disappointment.
“It’s not right, you know, for him to be let go a second time,” Rodriguez said.
Anasu has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault. His family disputes the allegations.
“He didn’t do anything wrong and he didn’t do this,” Anasu’s mother said.
Anasu is due back in court on Nov. 18.
