Bus driver charged in ‘brutal’ beating of transit passenger in Brampton, victim says

Warning: This story contains graphic images that may be disturbing to some readers.

A Brampton Transit driver has been charged with assault and taken off-duty following a violent incident on a city bus where a passenger was left bleeding with a broken jaw.

Yavuz Sanli told INsauag.com he was riding on Brampton Transit Route 35 last week, headed north on Clarkway Drive, when he was assaulted by a Brampton Transit operator.

The Toronto resident was in Brampton visiting a friend when he tried to exit the bus through the front doors at a stop. That’s when Sanli says the driver snapped, screaming at him to exit through the rear.

A verbal argument ensued, with Sanli admitting he used profanity in the exchange. But he says the driver punched him in the face at least six times before striking him with an elbow, fracturing his lower jaw in two places.

Sanli told INsauga.com he’s since had surgery and is back home after a stay in hospital. He has difficulty speaking and communicated with INsauga.com with the help of friends who have been helping him recover.

“I don’t want to call it an accident…it was brutal fighting,” Sanli’s friend and translator told INsauga.com of the incident.

Photos shared by Sanli show blood coming from his mouth with apparent damage to his teeth, lips, gums and face, and a broken lower jaw.

Peel Regional Police have confirmed they got a call on Oct. 24 from a rider on public transit who said they had been assaulted by a transit operator near Clarkway Drive and Bellchase Trail in Brampton.

Investigators say the scuffle happened onboard the bus “following a confrontation between the victim and driver.” Sanli, who is from Turkey, said the Black male driver was overly aggressive and suspects his race could have been a contributing factor in the incident.

A spokesperson for Peel police confirmed that a Brampton Transit operator was arrested following the incident.

“Officers attended to investigate and felt they had sufficient grounds to charge the operator,” a police spokesperson said, adding police couldn’t comment further as the matter is before the courts.

Police say a 33-year-old man from Brampton was arrested and charged with assault cause bodily harm. The name of the accused has not been released.

Police made no mention of the offence being motivated by hate.

The City of Brampton says the driver is still an employee of Brampton Transit, but has been put “on leave pending investigation.”

Sanli said he’s spoken with a lawyer and is considering legal action

There were reportedly multiple witnesses to the incident and anyone who saw or recorded video of the altercation can contact investigators.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Peel Regional Police by calling 905-453-3311. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.