Paul Simms, a Montgomery County bus driver, was arrested and charged with assaulting a pregnant woman on a Ride On bus.
Montgomery County Police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the 5400 block of Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase at 5:30 p.m. after receiving a report of an assault on Monday. This is by the Friendship Heights Metro Station.
According to police, there was video evidence that showed a verbal altercation between Simms, 36, of Laurel, and the victim. The argument escalated “and resulted in Simms strangling and physically assaulting the victim before throwing her to the ground outside the bus,” according to a police report.
Simms turned himself in Tuesday after police obtained an arrest warrant. He was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, crime of violence against a pregnant person and reckless endangerment. Two of the charges are felonies and two are misdemeanors.
Simms is being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit where he is awaiting a bond hearing. His preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 28.
After learning of the incident, Chris Conklin, Montgomery County Department of Transportation director, released a statement, noting, “While both individuals engaged in a verbal argument, that does not justify or excuse the actions of the bus operator who failed to follow training and established procedures for handling such situations.”
Conklin called Simms’ actions “unacceptable.”
His statement also noted, “Our bus operators are dedicated members of our community, typically upholding the high standards for customer care and service in what can sometimes be challenging circumstances.”
Simms was placed on unpaid level and likely will be dismissed pending completion of his legal process, according to Conklin.
