Arrested bus guys insist driver used vehicle as a weapon against them

The Globe reports on the arraignment today of two Roxbury teens for that bus crash on Dudley Street.

Michael Anthony Baptista, who said he was on his way to a job fair, was released on personal recognizance. Felix Garcia was ordered held for violating bail conditions on unrelated larceny and assult charges.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's office paints a different picture, saying in a statement:

[I]nvestigators believe the 39-year-old driver stopped the bus in the area of 367 Dudley St. when he smelled cigarette smoke coming from the rear of the jam-packed vehicle. He exited the front door, walked to the rear door, and re-boarded to tell a group of young men to stop smoking or get off the bus. At about that time, a passenger who complained of asthma left the bus because of the smoke.

Baptista, who was said to be part of the group in back, allegedly told the driver to "Just drive the [expletive] bus."

The driver returned to the front of the bus and called for assistance. The group of young men left the bus through the back door, and the driver released the brake and prepared to continue along the route. Instead, however, Baptista and Garcia allegedly came through the front doors and became belligerent and profane with him.

At about this time, Baptista allegedly threatened to shoot the driver if they crossed paths again. He and Garcia allegedly punched the driver in the head repeatedly, knocking it into the driver’s window so forcefully that the window broke and he lost consciousness. The driver suffered contusions and swelling for which he was transported to Boston Medical Center.

When the driver regained consciousness, he saw that the bus had struck a building at 385 Dudley St. Other witnesses aboard the bus at the time of the crash told investigators that the collision was moving slowly, without any acceleration, as it deviated from the street to the sidewalk. Witnesses said that slow movement began as the bus driver was being attacked by the two men.

Innocent, etc.