New York transit workers have a tough job in dealing with the public. Many workers have been assaulted and severely injured by criminals and irate riders. So on Dec. 23 when a female worker was viciously grabbed and choked by an unknown assailant, it became a major crime issue for her fellow workers and the NYPD. Surveillance video was released of the horrible brute who attacked the woman and smiled as he left the station.
The good news is that the assailant was finally caught by the NYPD; the bad news is that the assailant is a member of the NYPD. Police announced the arrest of NYPD officer Mirjan Lolja, 37, a seven-year veteran of the force, in the assault. Lolja saw his picture on TV and turned himself into authorities with a lame explanation of the attack. Lolja allegedly stated that he wanted to know the time of the next train and the worker, who was in full uniform, became disrespectful. He then claims that he took out his cellphone to take a picture of the worker and a struggle ensued. The unidentified worker was hospitalized for her injuries. Lolja has now been suspended from the police force while an Internal Affairs investigation is underway.
