Homeless Man Assaults Passenger On Route 17 Bus: Police

A homeless man was charged with assault after he allegedly punched a man in the face while shouting anti-gay slurs on a Route 17 bus, the Port Authority said.

At about 6:30 p.m., Daniel Rijos, 40, started cursing using anti-gay slurs while on a New York City-bound bus on Route 17, said Joseph Pentangelo, a Port Authority spokesman said.

Rijos allegedly punched the alleged victim, thrust his finger into his right eye, and threatened to kill him, Pentangelo said.

The bus was on the New York side of the Lincoln Tunnel when the incident occurred. Witnesses on the bus flagged down a Port Authority police vehicle at 41st Street in Manhattan, authorities said.

Rijos allegedly repeated the anti-gay slurs to the officer. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital for evaluation, police said.

Rijos had an robbery warrant out for his arrest in New York City and another from Utica, N.Y., Pentangelo said. He was charged with assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.

The victim was treated at an area hospital.

Daniel Rijos, 40/Port Authority Police Department