A tram driver in Košice was physically attacked on Monday (July 20) by a belligerent passenger, who displayed aggressive behaviour after being told that his dog needs to wear a muzzle while on the tram, TASR learnt from Kosice Public Transport Company (DPMK) Spokesperson Michaela Karaffová on Tuesday. In light of the fact that the dog didn't have a muzzle, the 49 year old tram driver asked the man to leave, resulting in her being punched in the face. "The man responded with blows. The driver ended up with a swollen face at the trauma department and she is currently on sick leave. The assailant was caught quickly by police. This is the first ever attack against a female driver in the entire history of DPMK", said Karaffová, adding that the driver pointed to the lack of a muzzle in a polite manner and that Maria has worked at DPMK for 25 years. "She's reliable and there have never been any complaints against her. She's easygoing and always polite when dealing with passengers. Despite all this, one passenger emerged yesterday who dared to assault this woman", said the spokesperson. Police have already pressed charges against a man identified only as Tomas T., 28, who tried to flee the scene after the attack but didn't get far. "Police officers apprehended the man based on given description near the stop where the assault occurred", said Kosice Regional Police Corps spokesman Alexander Szabo. If found guilty, the man might face up to three years in jail.
