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Violent Incident on CAT Bus Injures Driver and Passenger

Emergency responders attend to the scene of the CAT bus incident in Savannah.

News Summary

A confrontation on a Chatham Area Transit bus in Savannah led to injuries for both a female passenger and the bus driver. The incident involved a male passenger who exhibited aggressive behavior, resulting in an attack on the female. The driver attempted to intervene but was also assaulted. Police apprehended the suspect, Brandon Collier, who has a history of arrests. The incident has raised concerns about public transit safety, prompting discussions from city officials about the need for improved security measures.

Savannah – A violent incident on a Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus resulted in injuries to both a female passenger and the bus driver on Monday evening. The confrontation erupted around 5 p.m. at the intersection of Waters Avenue and Lexington Avenue, leading to a call for emergency assistance by Savannah police due to an aggravated battery report.

According to preliminary reports, a male passenger aboard the bus began exhibiting aggressive behavior. During the ride, a female passenger attempted to intervene and addressed the male’s conduct. In response, the male passenger allegedly escalated the situation by attacking her. The bus driver intervened in an effort to assist the female passenger but was subsequently assaulted by the same individual.

In a bid to control the situation, the bus driver attempted to secure the bus by locking its doors to prevent the assailant from escaping. However, the suspect managed to flee the scene despite these efforts. Both the bus driver and the female passenger sustained injuries during the altercation, although their current medical conditions have not been publicly disclosed.

Following the incident, Savannah police promptly initiated an investigation to gather further details. Officers utilized security footage from the bus to identify the suspect, later confirmed to be 40-year-old Brandon Collier. He was apprehended that same evening and subsequently charged with aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, obstruction, and possession of a controlled substance. At the time of his arrest, police indicated that Collier was found in possession of crack cocaine.

This incident marks Brandon Collier’s 43rd arrest in Chatham County, underscoring a pattern of behavior leading to repeated run-ins with law enforcement. As a result of his actions, CAT has enacted a permanent ban on Collier’s access to their services.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the safety of passengers and drivers on public transit. Mayor Van Johnson highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of all individuals using CAT services. In response to the incident, CAT officials reaffirmed their commitment to passenger and operator safety, emphasizing the value of vigilance in public transportation settings. They plan to continue promoting the “See Something, Say Something” safety campaign, which encourages individuals to report suspicious behavior.

Counseling and support services will also be made available for staff members affected by the incident to promote their well-being and address any psychological impacts stemming from the experience.

As the investigation continues, Savannah police have urged members of the public who may have additional information regarding this incident to come forward to assist in establishing the full context of the events that transpired on the bus.

In conclusion, the violent confrontation on the CAT bus serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by public transportation systems in maintaining safety for all users. As investigations unfold, the affected individuals and the community are left grappling with the implications of such acts of violence within their transit systems.