2 Arrested After Smoking-Related Violence On Babylon-Bound LIRR Train
BABYLON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Police say two Long Island Rail Road passengers were arrested after a smoking-related incident turned violent.
The trouble erupted Sunday at the Freeport station on a train from Penn Station to Babylon when the conductor reportedly tried to enforce the railroad's no-smoking policy.
MTA police say Justin Merk lit a cigarette and broke the glass to the emergency door release to get off the train.
When the conductor responded police said Merk spit at him and another passenger, Lisa Moore, punched him in the face.
The conductor was treated at a hospital.
Merk was charged with criminal tampering and disorderly conduct. Moore was charged with second-degree assault.
Last month, a smoking ban went into effect at LIRR and Metro-North Railroad outdoor platforms, ticketing, and boarding areas.
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