VVTA Assailant Court Proceedings Temporarily Suspended Due to Mental Capacity Concerns

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ADELANTO – The criminal proceedings are suspended for a Los Angeles man who assaulted a Victor Valley Transit (VVTA) bus driver after the bus broke down.

At around noon on Thursday, February 1, 2018, a VVTA bus broke down on Highway 395 near Crossroads Way. Robert Sutton, 57, of Los Angeles, entered the bus and began yelling at the mechanic who was at the scene attempting to repair the bus. After yelling at the mechanic, the deranged man entered the bus and began yelling at the bus driver and passengers inside. The bus driver in an attempt to protect herself and her passengers picked up a tire thumper and ordered Sutton off the bus. Her actions made Sutton increasingly angry and he pulled the thumper from the driver, causing injury to her hand and arm.

Sutton used the tire thumper to demand the passengers off of the bus. He got off of the bus and chased the mechanic down the street as he held the tire thumper. Deputies arrived and took him into custody for assault. No major injuries were sustained, but the bus driver was treated at the scene.

Sutton initially pleaded not guilty, but due to his mental capacity being in question on the court has suspended all criminal proceedings on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, pending a mental health evaluation. On Monday, April 2, 2018, the finding from the first mental health evaluation was submitted and the prosecution requested a second mental health evaluation in order to determine is Sutton is capable of standing trial.

Meanwhile, Sutton remains at the West Valley Detention Center in the City of Rancho Cucamonga in lieu of $100,000 bail.