Auckland bus driver assaulted in apparent road rage incident

An Auckland bus driver was attacked by another motorist while dropping off a passenger in West Auckland yesterday in an apparent road rage incident.

A 34-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and was due to appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

Acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, said the incident happened in the suburb of Te Atatū shortly after 3pm yesterday.

Goldie said there had been an earlier traffic incident involving the bus and a vehicle on Alderman Drive in Henderson.

"The vehicle then followed the bus for several minutes as it travelled towards Roberts Road.

"As the driver parked up to let a passenger off, the offender entered the bus and allegedly assaulted the driver before fleeing."

The driver suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital, and was now recovering at home.

Goldie said the car involved in the incident was a rental vehicle and a man was quickly identified and arrested in Māngere last night.

"Police do not tolerate any violence on public transport, and we will continue to locate and prosecute these offenders."