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Man arrested after COTA driver assaulted, robbed in south Columbus

Police said the driver was found suffering from serious injuries to his face in the area of Alum Creek Drive and Thimbleberry Drive around 9 a.m. on Friday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A man accused of assaulting and robbing a COTA bus driver Friday morning has been arrested, according to Franklin County jail and court records.

Police said the driver was operating the bus in the area of Alum Creek Drive and Thimbleberry Drive around 9 a.m.

A COTA dispatcher noticed the bus had not moved in a while and called to have it checked out.

The driver was found suffering from serious injuries to his face.

The suspect, identified as Royce Nall according to court records, was arrested on Saturday.

Nall repeatedly punched the driver, took his wallet and demanded money, police wrote in a court filing.

Nall is charged with robbery with inflicting physical harm to another. He is in custody at the Franklin County Jail as he awaits a court hearing this week.

The driver was taken to a local hospital to be treated.

COTA President & CEO Joanna Pinkerton released a statement Friday:

“I am outraged and heartbroken at the vicious assault against a COTA operator while he was on the job serving the public. COTA’s frontline employees, who are dedicated to keeping our community moving, deserve respect and gratitude - not violence. All of us at Team COTA are pulling for the strong and speedy recovery of our colleague."

Pinkerton released another statement on Saturday:

“I want to thank the Columbus Division of Police for quickly identifying and taking a suspect into custody. We are also grateful to those whose tips led to this arrest. COTA will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served. At this time, our priority and focus remain on our valued team member’s health and recovery.”

Anyone with information on the assault and robbery is asked to contact the Columbus Police Robbery Unit at 614-645-4665.

Anyone who wants to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

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