Police officer, suspect hospitalized after altercation on CDTA bus

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A Colonie police officer is recovering after a man allegedly assaulted him on a CDTA bus.

Police were called to the scene in front of Colonie Center shortly after 2:45 p.m. Tuesday. The person on the bus, 42-year-old Jerson Vargas, is accused of urinating on the bus and spitting on the driver.

When police tried to get him off the bus, Vargas punched the officer in the face and slammed his head into the wall and floor of the bus several times. A retired police officer was near the bus at the time of the incident and helped the officer arrest Vargas.

Vargas was Tased and then taken to Albany Medical Center to be treated for his injuries. Police said he will face charges once he is released from the hospital.

The officer also suffered head injuries and is being treated.

Lieutenant Winn with Colonie Police says the suspect was under the influence of alcohol.