Woman threw hot coffee in NJ Transit bus driver’s face, cops say

Passengers on two recent NJ Transit rides got into trouble with employees — which could get them trips to jail instead of their intended destinations.

Sakinah Brydie, 40, of Newark allegedly threw a cup of hot coffee in the face of a bus driver in Newark after an argument, NJ Transit Police said. She was charged with aggravated assault on a bus driver.

After getting off the bus, she was arrested nearby by officers from the New Jersey Transit Police Department, where she was found with a small packet containing a controlled dangerous substance.

She was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and failure to give a controlled dangerous substance to police.

As a result of the incident, the driver sustained minor facial burns and was treated and released from St. Michael's Hospital, police said.

On Monday morning, Michael Grella, 33, was riding the North Jersey Coast Line when he got into an argument with a conductor about the fare, NJ Transit Police said. The argument turned physical when he pushed the conductor after getting off the train in South Amboy, and police were called, police said. The conductor did not seek medical attention after the incident.

Grella was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, police said. He also had outstanding warrants in Linden and Essex County, police said. As a result, he was charged with hindering apprehension.

If convictedm Byrdie could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and face up to $15,000 in fines. Grella could face up to 18 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

More On New Jersey 101.5

Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com