A 24-year-old man of no fixed address will appear in court today in relation to an assault investigation that sent a GO Bus driver to the hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

On July 9, 2019, shortly after 1:00 p.m., a male passenger boarded a Go Bus in the area of King Street West and MacNab Street in Hamilton. The male ran passed the driver and sat in a rear seat on the second level of the bus. The driver approached the passenger asking him to pay for his fare or leave the bus. The male stood up from his seat and started swearing and assaulting the driver. During the scuffle the driver was pushed outside the doors of the bus, causing him to fall into a nearby fire hydrant.

The 73-year-old bus driver was transported to the hospital with facial and head injuries.

Police located the 24-year-old male at the scene and placed him under arrest. The male was lodged into custody with his bail opposed.

He is scheduled to appear at the John Sopinka Courthouse later today to answer several criminal charges.

Charged:

Rocco Vietri (24-years-old) No fixed address

Charges:

Assault Level 1

Assault Cause Bodily Harm

Fail to Comply Probation x 2

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com