Route 51 MARTA Driver Charged with Dragging Bus Passenger in Road

A MARTA bus driver has been arrested and charged with reckless misconducted for allegedly dragging a passenger, whose arm was stuck in a door, approximately 63 feet on Joseph E. Boone near Mayson Turner before stopping.

Cascade Patch is investigating the incident and will update this story throughout the day.

Here is a copy of the police statement released by Atlanta Police spokeswoman Kim Jones:

"On 05-08-11, at 8:30 p. m., Zone One units were dispatched to a person struck by auto call at Joseph E. Boone and Mayson Turner.  Upon arrival officers found the victim Mrs. Lettie Robinson DOB 6-1-1948 being treated by Grady.

The victim and witnesses stated the victim exited MARTA bus 2977 on route 51.  Mrs. Robinson turned to retrieve her purse from inside the MARTA bus and the bus front door closed on her arm. 

The MARTA bus driver Mrs. Belinda McMillan DOB 4-18-1959 began driving East on Joseph E. Boone dragging the victim approximately 63 feet.  Witnesses’ stated they observed the victim being dragged and drove their vehicle in front of the MARTA bus to stop the bus.  The MARTA bus driver stopped the bus and opened the door. 

The victim fell to the ground and rolled in front of the MARTA bus.  The MARTA bus driver drove around the victim and left the scene.  The victim was transported to Grady.  The MARTA bus driver was located with the assistance of the MARTA route supervisor at the West Lake MARTA Station.  The MARTA bus driver stated the victim exited the bus and turned back towards the MARTA Bus and began banging on the MARTA Bus door. 

The MARTA bus driver also said the victim ran alongside the MARTA bus then tripped and fell in the street. The elderly victim who requires a “walker” sustained a broken arm and lacerations on her legs and head.  The MARTA bus driver was arrested and charged with reckless conduct and transported to the Fulton County Jail."