Men claim MBTA driver was aggressor in alleged attack

Attorneys for two Roxbury, MA men accused of attacking a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus driver on Wednesday claim the bus driver was the aggressor and deliberately drove the bus into a building, injuring several people. Police paint a different picture. According to the Boston Globe, the driver ordered one of the men to put out his cigarette. Smoking is banned on MBTA buses. Police say apparently the man became angry at the request, and that he and three or four other men attacked the driver. During the alleged incident, the driver lost control and hit a building.

In custody is 18-year-old Felix Garcia, who has pled not guilty to interfering with a bus driver and assault and battery on a public employee. Garcia was ordered held for violating bail conditions on pending armed robbery charges. The second man, 19-year-old Michael Baptista, pled not guily to similar charges and was released on personal recognizance. For more, visit www.boston.com.