Linden Man Assaulted Train Conductor Over Fare, NJ Transit Says

LINDEN, NJ - A 33-year-old Linden man was arrested Monday for assaulting an NJ Transit train conduction, in an incident police said took place aboard a North Jersey Coast Line train.

At approximately 11:15 a.m. Monday, 33-year-old Michael Grella was arrested and charged with assaulting the train conductor. Grella was on board a North Jersey Coast Line train when he had a verbal dispute with a male conductor regarding the fare. Upon exiting the train at the South Amboy station, Grella shoved the conductor in the chest, Transit police said.

New Jersey Transit Police were called to the station, and Grella was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. During processing, it was discovered that Grella had outstanding warrants from Linden and Essex County and he was additionally charged with hindering apprehension.

The conductor refused medical treatment.

If convicted, Grella faces up to 18 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Photo of Michael Grella provided by NJ Transit police