Cops: Woman, 48, Punched Train Conductor, Pulled Emergency Brake

A Plainfield woman allegedly punched a conductor and pulled the emergency brake of the 5:10p.m. train arriving into Summit, according to NJ Transit Police.

Nadine Canty, 48, is being charged with aggravated assault, criminal mischief and interference with transportation, said NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder. The conductor, who wasn't identified, got into an argument with Canty before she punched him, Snyder said. The train had come to its normal stop when Canty allegedly pulled the brake. "The train was terminating in Summit," said Snyder.

A transit investigation of the altercation led to short 10 minute to 15 minute delays on trains out of Summit and Short Hills during the early evening rush hour. 

"Unruly passengers," said Snyder referring to the incident, "we get them from time to time."

Original Story

Posted: 6:51 pm

Fight on Train Causes Rush-Hour Delay in Summit

Police were called after an unruly passenger got into an altercation aboard a Summit train.

Rush-hour trains on the Morris-Line were held up for several minutes this evening because of police activity at Summit station. An unruly passenger was to blame according to a New Jersey Transit official, after the passenger had an altercation with a conductor. No serious injuries have been reported at this time.

An earlier report said that the train's emergency brake was pulled just before it reached the the Summit station platform. A spokeswoman for NJ Transit couldn't confirm that at this time and said that transit police are still investigating the matter.

Around 5p.m. police responded to a call of a fight in progress that involved a conductor and a passenger.  The train, which was due for a final stop in Summit, was met by police and the conductor was questioned and filed a report. 

The incident caused 10-minute to 15-minute delays in Summit and Short Hills stations. The investigation is ongoing. Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.