Burlington Man Allegedly Tries to Choke MBTA Bus Driver

BURLINGTON, MA — A Burlington man was arrested Saturday for allegedly attempting to choke an Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority bus driver in Burlington, according to MBTA police.

Daniel Koolick, 21, was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and battery (to wit strangulation), threats to commit a crime and malicious destruction of property Saturday after police say he physically attacked the bus driver by grabbing him by the throat and screaming "Do you want to die," before fleeing the bus. He is set to be arraigned Monday.

"Assaults on MBTA employees will NOT be tolerated and the TPD will vigorously pursue and prosecute anyone who does so," read the press release from the MBTA police.

Police say that at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to Middlesex Turnpike for a report of a bus driver who was assaulted. While driving through the Burlington Mall, police say that Koolick decided he wanted to exit the bus.

After being informed that the could not stop the bus in between stops, the driver informed Koolick he would stop at the next stop, which was less than one minute away, according to police. Koolick later allegedly began screaming at the bus driver, as well as kicking and breaking the doors and windows of the bus, before his alleged attack on the bus driver.

After running away from the bus, Koolick returned to retrieve the cell phone he left behind. He returned amongst the police activity and was later placed under arrest.

Editor's Note: This story was derived from information provided by the MBTA Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.