Teen arrested in Bronx laser attack on MTA bus driver

TREMONT, Bronx (WABC) -- The NYPD has arrested a teenager in connection with a laser attack on a New York City MTA bus driver in the Bronx.

The incident happened around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, at the intersection of East 181st Street and Third Avenue in the Tremont section, when an unidentified passenger on a Bx15 bus aimed a laser pointer at the bus' rear-view mirror.

The bus operator, 52-year-old Kenneth Johnson, was struck in his eyes with the laser when he looked into the mirror. He was transported by EMS to Montefiore Hospital, where he was treated for eye pain.

Sixteen-year-old Michael Ramos, of the Bronx, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree reckless endangerment.

Approximately 25 passengers exited the bus when Johnson pulled over, including the suspect. Police had previously released surveillance video from the bus.

The aiming of laser pointers -- particularly at pilots -- is an ongoing concern. Three weeks ago, NewsCopter7 was one of three news helicopters hit by green laser light directed into the cockpit. This incident is believed to be the first involving the driver of a city bus.