HSR driver says passenger spat on her, police continue investigation

The HSR bus driver who is accused of pulling a woman’s hair, told police she was spat on by the passenger before she grabbed her hair.

Hamilton police said in a media release that officers were called to the disturbance shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday near Concession St. and East 13th St.

Officers say the driver told them she had grabbed the woman by her hair to hold her from getting away after the woman spat on the driver.

The driver claims she let go of the woman’s hair after a few seconds and the woman left the area.

Pictures of the incident were posted on Facebook by Sierra Johnson who was also riding the 23 Upper Gage bus.

Johnson claims the driver grabbed the woman’s hair and “tried swinging her around.”

RELATED STORY
Bus driver accused of grabbing passengers hair, HSR investigates

Eric Tuck, president of the union that represents the driver, told CHCH News the driver was taken to hospital after the incident. Tuck says the pictures do not tell the whole story.

Hamilton police say the investigation is ongoing. “At this time the female that allegedly spat on the driver has not been identified or filed a complaint with police regarding her hair being pulled.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Hamilton police or Crime Stoppers.