Two Charged in NYC Bus Attack Freed Without Bail, Prosecutors Objected

Two men surrendered to authorities in New York City and were subsequently released without bail by a judge, despite prosecutors seeking a significant bail amount, in connection with an assault on an elderly man who intervened in a dispute on an MTA bus.

Jaiden Marrero, 24, and Donzell Mitchell, 19, both of the Bronx, were charged with felony assault. Their surrender came nearly three weeks after the June 5 incident. A relative of one of the suspects reportedly spotted them on a "Wanted" flyer and urged them to turn themselves in.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office requested $150,000 bail or a $300,000 bond for the men. However, Judge Jeffrey Gershuny granted them supervised release. It remains unclear why the judge opted for release without bail, as the charges were bail-eligible.

Marrero and Mitchell are scheduled to reappear in court on August 19. This marks the first arrest for both suspects.

The victim, Robert Hunter, 73, recounted that he felt compelled to intervene on the M104 bus during evening rush hour. He observed one of the assailants "squeezing by" a pregnant woman, appearing to make contact with her stomach. Hunter stated he told the individual, "You know the lady's pregnant, show her some respect."

Following his statement, Hunter said he became the target of the assailants. According to a criminal complaint, the two men repeatedly struck Hunter in the head and body before placing him in a chokehold. One of the suspects then allegedly brandished a knife and said, "Now you're getting poked," before stabbing Hunter in the left shoulder.

Hunter was transported to Mount Sinai Morningside hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. He described his injuries as minor, requiring only three stitches, and stated he did not have a black eye.

Hunter expressed that he believes his actions were right, despite the physical repercussions. "I try to look out 'cause if that was my daughter… [if] she was pregnant, and someone was pushing her around, and you know, there's no respect for women on the bus," he said.