NJ Transit bus driver shot at 3 teens, wounding 1, after reported assault, official says

An NJ Transit bus driver was charged with attempted murder after police said he pulled a handgun and fired at three teenagers who allegedly assaulted him outside of a bus Saturday night in Jersey City.

Charles Fieros, 48, of Staten Island, New York, was arrested after being treated at Jersey City Medical Center, following the 9:45 p.m. incident at Monticello and Jewett avenues, Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, a city spokeswoman, said Sunday.

Fieros is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a handgun, two other weapons charges and receiving stolen property. The handgun, which police recovered, had been reported stolen, Wallace-Scalcione said.

City police determined the shooting happened after three teenage males reportedly assaulted Fieros while he was outside a bus. The driver, retrieved an illegal handgun and shot at the group of males who had allegedly assaulted him, Wallace-Scalcione said.

One of the three was hit by the gunfire. A 15-year-old male was transported to Jersey City Medical Center by taxi and was believed to have three gunshot wounds to the abdomen, she said. He is in critical, but stable condition.

Fieros also suffered head and face injuries from the initial assault and was treated at the same hospital.

NJ Transit officials referred questions to Jersey City police, who continue to investigate the incident.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.