A Newark man has been charged with assault after allegedly throwing a cup of hot coffee in the face of an NJ Transit train conductor who denied him a free ride.
The incident occurred during rush hour at the Secaucus junction train station. The suspect, Michael Wilson, approached the conductor and demanded a free ride.
When the conductor directed him to purchase a ticket, Wilson threw the hot coffee and fled the station.
The conductor suffered injuries to his eyes, nose, and mouth and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The incident caused delays for commuters.
Wilson has been arrested and charged with third-degree aggravated assault on a transit employee, a new offense signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
The law carries penalties of up to three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, replacing the previous penalties for assaulting a transit officer.
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