Nashville Teen Credits Bus Driver with Saving Her from Assault
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A 16-year-old girl is sharing her frightening experience about an assault that took place on a WeGo Transit bus last week. In her telling, she acknowledges the critical role the bus driver played in helping her escape a dangerous situation.
The Incident
The teenage girl explained how the incident unfolded in a recent interview. “I was really scared. I didn’t know what to do,” she recalled. The teenager described how she stepped onto the bus, only to be approached by a man who seemed unsteady on his feet. “He walked over towards me, and he was like, ‘Hey, can I sit here?’ and I said of course, so I moved my bag,” she said.
What happened next shocked her. The man attempted to corner her in her seat and tried to kiss her. “I pushed him back, and that’s when the bus driver yelled, ‘No! Don’t grab her!’” the teen added. According to her, the bus driver not only shouted for the man to stop but also encouraged her to sit near the front of the bus to ensure her safety.
A Moment of Fear
Overwhelmed by fear, the girl began texting her mother while tears streamed down her face. She felt more secure knowing the bus driver was now looking out for her. “I was texting my mom because I was scared, and so I started crying,” she explained. Fortunately, a security camera on the bus captured the entire exchange, which played a crucial role in the following events.
Reporting to Authorities
While the bus continued to its next stop, the driver took immediate action by reporting the man’s behavior to the police. The officer was waiting when they arrived at the WeGo station downtown. “She refused to let him off because she wanted him to get arrested for touching me,” the girl said, expressing gratitude for the driver’s quick thinking.
Legal Consequences
The incident resulted in the man being arrested and charged with several offenses, including assault, attempted assault, and public intoxication. The young girl felt a mixture of emotions as she processed the events of that day. “It was very scary, and I don’t feel like anybody should have to go through that,” she shared.
Lack of Support from Other Passengers
One aspect that troubled her was that other passengers on the bus seemed to remain silent during the incident. “Nobody else on the bus, and it was men, grown men, and grown women on the bus, and nobody said, ‘Boy, don’t touch her,’ or did anything about it,” she noted. “The driver was the only one that said something.”
Gratitude for the Driver
The teenager reflected on the bus driver’s bravery and dedication. “Trying to maintain the road and make sure that I’m OK at the same time, it’s hard,” she said, expressing her appreciation for the driver’s efforts. “I want to thank her because she saved me.”
A Call for Change
Her experience highlights a larger issue regarding public safety and the bystander effect. The teenager hopes her story encourages others to speak out when they see something wrong. “I just want people to understand that they should say something if they see something happening,” she stated.
A Lasting Impact
Though she feels grateful for the driver’s actions, the traumatic incident has left its mark. Since the assault, the girl has been working through her feelings about the event. “I don’t want to live in fear,” she said, addressing the fear that has lingered since the assault. “But I also want to feel safe on the bus.”
Conclusion
This young girl’s experience serves as a reminder of the vital role that bystanders play in preventing violence and the importance of speaking out in the face of wrongdoing. As she recovers from this traumatic event, she is determined to advocate for herself and others, hoping for a world where incidents like this are less common.
With the bravery of individuals like the bus driver highlighted, the discussion regarding public safety and the responsibility of witnesses continues to grow.
