Passenger gets suspended sentence for attacking bus driver, police

A passenger in South Korea has been handed a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a bus driver on a highway and subsequently attacking police officers who responded to the incident. The court sentenced the individual, identified only as Mr. A, to six months in prison, suspended for one year, on charges including violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Crimes (Assaulting a Driver, etc.) and obstruction of justice.

The incident unfolded in May 2025 when Mr. A, reportedly intoxicated, began verbally abusing and physically assaulting the bus driver, Mr. B, while the bus was traveling on the Guri-Pocheon Expressway. Witnesses stated that Mr. A, in a state of confusion, demanded the bus be stopped and proceeded to remove the driver's glasses and mask, throwing them on the floor.

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The court ruled that the defendant committed a highly dangerous crime by assaulting a driver on a highway, and the assault on the driver was not minor.

Mr. A's disruptive behavior continued even after the police arrived. While officers were gathering statements from the driver and other passengers, Mr. A became agitated, allegedly lunging at an officer, shouting, and scratching his face. He is also accused of grabbing the officer's collar, tearing his uniform, and pushing him toward the bus.

The Uijeongbu District Court acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses, noting the high-risk nature of assaulting a driver on a highway and the assault on a uniformed police officer. However, the court also took into account mitigating factors. These included Mr. A's admission of guilt and his reaching an agreement with both the bus driver and the police officer, neither of whom wished to pursue punishment.

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However, considering various sentencing factors, including the fact that the defendant reached an agreement with the assault victims and the police through criminal mediation and admitted to the crime, the sentence was determined.