Feb 24, 2008 6:28 pm US/Eastern
Girl, 14, Acknowledges Guilt In Bus Assault
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Sarah Kreager was beaten in December.
One of the Baltimore teenagers charged in the beating of a 26-year-old woman aboard a transit bus has admitted her role in the attack.
Dennis Edwards reports there's now a plan-B by a Maryland lawmaker who is trying to keep travelers safe while riding MTA buses.
The beating was brutal on board an MTA bus. Sarah Kreager's facial bones were broken.
One of six Robert Poole Middle School girls charged in the case admitted to striking the victim and agreed to community service and counseling.
Court documents say the fight started over an empty seat.
A 15-year-old girl punched then grabbed Kreager by the hair.
Other students and passengers participated in the melee they say started when Kreager allegedly used racial slurs and spit at them, a charge she denies.
"If it was racial, and I understand someone was spat upon, I mean you do that, and you're kind of asking for it. That's very unfortunate if that is exactly what occurred," said Del. Melvin Stukes.
In spite of the defeat of four pieces of legislation, state lawmakers are vowing to continue their fight to protect bus drivers and riders.
Stukes lost his bid to get stiffer, mandatory penalties for those who assault drivers or passengers on MTA buses, but there is a similar bill pending sponsored by another lawmaker that has the potential to become law.
"If that comes through, I'm happy. I'm not trying to pass 95,000 bills or anything along that line. I'm really looking for the substance of bringing about safety for all that's traveling on public transportation," said Stukes.
Residents who live near the site of the beating believe tougher laws are needed.
"I think it's a good idea. I think there needs to be some safeguards in place to protect people," said Paul Walker.
There have been dozens of cases of assaults on board MTA buses over the past few years.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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