A Suffolk County bus driver was arrested Saturday after he attempted to rape a female passenger near the County Center in Riverside, according to New York State Police.
State Police said the victim was the only passenger on the 8A bus being driven by Richard T. Downes, 43, of Middle Island, at about 2:50 p.m. Saturday when the attack occurred.
Police said Downes stopped the bus and pulled the woman to the rear of the bus where he attempted to forcibly rape her. When the victim fought back, Downes stopped his attack, let the victim off the bus and continued along his route, which includes stops at Suffolk County Community College, Tanger Outlets and Riverhead-area shopping centers, according to Suffolk County Transit.
Police said the victim flagged down a Riverhead Town Police officer, who brought her to the State Police barracks in Riverside. State Police located the 8A bus on Route 24, near the Long Island Expressway and arrested Downes.
Downes was charged with first-degree attempted rape and second-degree unlawful imprisonment, both felonies, according to police. He was to be arraigned in Southampton Town Justice Court on Sunday.
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