Winnipeg Transit driver charged with assault of 17-year-old passenger

WINNIPEG — A 51-year-old Winnipeg Transit driver faces charges of assault and public mischief after an altercation Wednesday morning.

Police responded to reports of an assault against a Winnipeg Transit driver around 11 a.m. in the area of Sargent Avenue and Valour Road.

When officers initially met with the 51-year-old female driver they were told that the altercation started as a verbal argument until the passenger started attacking her.

The story quickly changed when officers met with the 17-year-old passenger. They were told that the assault was started by the driver and the 17-year-old only struck back in self defense.

As the investigation continued it was learned that the transit driver did in fact start the physical altercation after the verbal argument.

The 51-year-old driver was released on a promise to appear.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone who witnessed the assault is asked to call investigators at 1-204-986-2877 or Crime Stoppers at 1-204-786-8477.