Erie police charged a 62-year-old Erie male for assaulting an Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority bus driver on July 1. The EMTA bus driver was assaulted by a passenger after the passenger became irate over EMTA’s federally-imposed mask mandate, which is in effect despite the relaxation of other COVID-19-related restrictions nationwide. The man, who is unnamed, was charged with two counts of simple assault, one count of harassment, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief. Jeremy Peterson, EMTA’s executive director, said the male driver, who is in his 50s, suffered minor injuries when he was struck in the face at least twice during the assault. The bus diver, whom Peterson did not identify, was released after treatment at Saint Vincent Hospital.