A Miami-Dade Transit driver is facing charges after an argument reportedly turned aggressive Wednesday night over a rider whose mask was off his mouth so he could talk on the phone.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Denys Santos, of Homestead, was arrested after he allegedly swung a metal rod at the 21-year-old male rider, of Islamorada, after an argument over proper COVID-19 face mask usage.
Deputy Scott Costa — including Sgt. Robert Dosh and Deputy Wardell Hana and Florida Highway Patrol — responded to MM 88 in Islamorada at 7:22 p.m. following reports of an assault. They met the victim, who stated he boarded a Miami-Dade Transit bus in Key Largo earlier that night. The victim told deputies he boarded wearing a mask, as is policy on the bus. He stated he pulled down his mask at one point to talk on his cell phone.
According to deputies, the bus stopped at MM 88 and the rider began to exit when the driver, later identified as Santos, allegedly used a metal pole to tap on a sign stating masks were required on the bus.
A short argument ensued, and Santos opened the bus door and the victim exited, but he allegedly followed and chased him with the metal pole. Santos allegedly was swinging the pole and attempting to strike the victim with the metal pole, according to the victim and a separate witness whom Deputy Costa also spoke with.
While on scene, Deputy Costa saw a bus traveling north near the scene. He conducted a stop and found Santos to be the driver. A metal pole matching the victim’s and witness’ description was found near the driver’s seat.
Santos was taken to jail.
