T bus driver attacked by man who was left behind at Wonderland bus stop

By Martine Powers, Globe staff

LYNN - An Everett man today was ordered to stay off the Route 455 bus, one day after he allegedly attacked the MBTA driver who had pulled out of Wonderland Station and then refused to stop to pick him up, according to court records.

Paul J. Kouroyen, 33, pleaded not guilty today in Lynn District Court on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a shod foot, following his arrest by Lynn police around 7 p.m. Thursday.

Paul J. Kouroyen (Transit Police)

Bail was set at $1,000 cash. He was also ordered to avoid the driver, identified in court papers as Baulo Rodriguez, and a witness who identified him to police.

According to a Transit Police report, Kouroyen boarded the Route 455 bus when it arrived in Central Square in Lynn. Kouroyen allegedly asked the driver if he was the person behind the wheel when the bus drove away from Wonderland station and refused to stop even after Kouroyen pounded on it in hopes of getting it to stop, Transit Police said.

Kouroyen “asked if he was the driver of the bus that left him at Wonderland Station. When he replied ‘yes’ Kouroyen began punching him,’’ Transit Police said in the report. “He tried to defend himself, but during the struggle Kouroyen kicked him in the left shin.’’

Kouroyen fled as Lynn police arrived, but they quickly located him nearby and arrested him after he was positively identified as the attacker, police said.

The 50-year-old driver was taken to Union Hospital in Lynn for treatment. He sustained bruises to his left and right cheek, lacerations on his left leg and on his fingers, Transit Police said.

The driver, who is a 12-year T veteran, is now recovering at home, MBTA officials said.