WASHINGTON – McGruff the crime dog has been roughed up. D.C. police said the mascot, who urges children to “take a bite out of crime,” became a victim Saturday when a bus driver punched him in the face as he handed fliers to children. Police said the 38-year-old Metro bus driver, climbed off the bus, adjusted both sideview mirrors and then swung at Officer Tyrone Hardy, who was dressed as McGruff.
Police said McGruff staggered, children screamed and the bus driver drove off. Officers quickly pulled him over and charged him with assault.
Metro spokeswoman Candace Smith said the bus driver told a supervisor he was trying “to be funny.”
Smith said the driver will undergo drug and alcohol testing. His future with the agency was under review.