Attacker of MTA Bus Operator Arraigned in Westchester

IB Image

APRIL 30, 2026—Officers and members of TWU Local 100 gathered at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains Thursday to show support for our union brother Johnny Rodriguez, an MTA Bus Operator who was brutally attacked by Thywill Anasu on April 4, leaving him hospitalized for over a week with brain bleeds.

In a press conference after the arraignment, President John V. Chiarello demanded that the maximum sentence be given to the suspect for the grievous nature of Rodriguez’s injuries, including the two brain bleeds, a concussion and neck, shoulder and back injuries.

“We expect justice to be served, and I want to thank DA Susan Cacace because justice needs to be served and that’s why we’re here,” said Chiarello. “You see all of my members here from Local 100, this isn’t an accident. When they hurt one of us, they hurt all of us, and we’re going to make sure that they pay that price.”

While Rodriguez was making the three-point turn that is part of his route on the border of Yonkers and the Bronx, Anasu crossed the double yellow line on the road into a lane of oncoming traffic, causing an accident between his vehicle and the bus. As Rodriguez was inspecting the damage to the bus, Anasu put the Bus Operator in a chokehold, body slammed him to the ground and then fled the scene in his truck.

Anasu, 29, showed up in court for his arraignment wearing too-short pants and with his hair in four pigtails, moving slowly and with a calm demeanor. It was a stark difference from the violent attack caught on video, and the quick pace with which he ran back to his truck after attacking Rodriguez.

Assistant District Attorney Samantha Murphy said that while Anasu was originally charged with Assault 2 in Yonkers City Court, he was now charged with Assault 1. If Anasu is found guilty, he would receive a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 25 years in state prison. 

Anasu had posted $5,000 cash bail after spending 9 days in jail, according to custody status records. Murphy asked for $50,000 bail in light of the more serious charge, but Fufidio said that bail amounts were set with only one factor in mind—to ensure that the defendant return to court for future hearings—and denied the request.

The next day Anasu will be in court is July 23.