MTA Bus Operator Attacked on Bronx/Yonkers Border, Left with Brain Bleeds

IB Image

APRIL 6, 2026—On Saturday night at about 8:27 PM, our brother Johnny Rodriguez, a 13-year veteran operator out of the MTA Bus Yonkers Depot, was punched, choked and violently body-slammed while simply doing his job.

After a collision at Riverdale Ave. and Ellsworth Street on the Bronx/Yonkers border, Operator Rodriguez exited his bus to assess damage, something every professional operator is trained to do. While attempting to handle the situation, he was viciously attacked from behind by the driver of a pickup truck. The assault left him with two brain bleeds, a concussion and neck, shoulder and back injuries. His assailant then fled the scene, leaving our brother beaten on the ground.

“We will not accept violence as ‘part of the job’,” said President John V. Chiarello. “We will not stay silent, and we will not stop until justice is served.”

Johnny, 59 years old, is not just a dedicated operator—he is a husband and a father to a 10-year-old child. He remains hospitalized, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.

Section Chair Marcus Soler was at the hospital that night by Johnny’s side. Division Chair Mike Capocci, MTA Bus/Private Bus Lines/ School Bus Vice President Danny D'Amato and TWU Local 100 President John Chiarello have been in constant contact with Johnny and his family.

We have already shown Johnny that he will not face this alone and TWU Local 100 will continue to stand firmly by his side.

“No one comes to work expecting to be assaulted, and no family should have to endure this kind of trauma because someone chose violence,” said D’Amato said.

Let us be clear: this was not just an assault on one operator; this was an attack on all transit workers. We are demanding the immediate apprehension of the perpetrator, prosecution to the fullest extent of the law and continued efforts to ensure operator safety is treated as a top priority.

We are actively working with the Yonkers Police Department to assist in identifying and apprehending the individual responsible. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact Yonkers Police immediately at 914.377.7900.

Stay strong, Johnny. Your union stands with you.