Manhattan Man Charged With Chokehold Assault on M.T.A. Bus Driver

April 9, 2026

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that a Manhattan man was arraigned on an assault charge for allegedly attacking an MTA bus driver during a roadside confrontation in Yonkers over the weekend.

Thywill Anasu, 29, was arraigned Wednesday on one count of Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony. Yonkers City Court Judge Daniel Romano set bail at $5,000 cash/$50,000 bond/$50,000 partially secured bond and provided a temporary order of protection for the victim. Anasu is due back in court on Apr. 14.

DA Cacace said: "As alleged by my office, this brutal, unsparing attack on a public servant who was just doing his job must serve as a wake-up call to everyone in Westchester. The victim was beaten so severely that he suffered a brain bleed and remains in the hospital, nearly a week after this alleged assault.

"Too often, these sorts of confrontations are written off as hazards of the job. No one engaged in public service ought to feel as if they are risking life and limb when they clock into work. I stand with each and every member of our public sector in demanding safer workplaces and swift accountability for those who cross the line. We will seek the same accountability for this defendant."

NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said: “Transit employees should always return safely home in the same condition they arrived at work. I thank the Yonkers Police Department for their swift action in apprehending this individual and the Westchester County DA’s commitment to ensuring justice is delivered in this case.”

On Apr. 4, 2026, the victim, a bus driver with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was operating a bus route between the Bronx and Westchester. At approximately 8:30 p.m., as the victim was headed into the Bronx, the bus got into an accident with another vehicle that was being operated by the defendant. After exiting their vehicles, the defendant placed the victim in a chokehold, applied pressure to his throat and threw him to the ground, causing the victim to hit his head on the pavement, according to a felony complaint filed in the case.

The defendant then allegedly struck the victim in the face with a closed fist multiple times. The victim suffered a brain bleed and experienced substantial pain to his head and right shoulder, the felony complaint alleges, requiring immediate treatment at Jacobi Hospital. The victim remains in the hospital.

This case was investigated by the Yonkers Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Samantha Murphy of the Major Case Bureau.

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The charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.