PA: Allentown Woman Punches LANTA Bus Driver Over Fare, Police Say

March 13--A LANTA bus driver who challenged a passenger's claim to a student discount was slugged by the passenger as the vehicle moved from an Allentown bus stop, police said.

Daquasia Kim Ransome, 18, of 513 N. Silk St., Allentown, was arrested Friday after city police used bus surveillance video from the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority to determine who attacked the driver two weeks ago.

Ransome got on the bus 3:08 p.m. Feb. 27 at Hamilton and Seventh streets, and handed the $1 student rate — half the regular fare — to driver Barbara Rosamilia, police said. An argument began when Rosamilia asked which school Ransome goes to, police said.

Ransome refused to name her school, and as the driver reminded Ransome the student fare applies only to students, Ransome took a seat, police said.

Rosamilia continued to ask about Ransome's eligibility for the $1 rate as she drove off, police said, and while Rosamilia was watching the road Ransome got up and punched her in the face, police said.

Even as she was attacked, Rosamilia was able to stop the bus, which also was carrying other passengers, police said. The arrest affidavit did not say how many others were on board.

Once she engaged the bus's brake, Rosamilia got up, struggled with Ransome and managed to push Ransome down the bus steps and out the front doors, police said.

But then Rosamilia herself fell into the doorway, and Ransome grabbed her leg, trying to pull her outside, police said. Ransome soon gave up and fled, police said.

Rosamilia suffered a swollen lip and injuries to her right knee, back of her neck and the top of her head, police said.

Allentown police obtained video and still photos from the LANTA bus, and were able to identify Ransome from the pictures, police said.

City Detective Michael D. Williams arrested Ransome and charged her with simple assault, harassment, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.

Ransome was arraigned Friday by District Judge Ronald Manescu and sent to Lehigh County Prison. She was released Saturday on $10,000 bail.

-- Frank Warner

Copyright 2012 - The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.