Torrance Bus Brawl

A local newspaper in the city of Torrance, The Daily Breeze reported on a case which is being handled by John Nojima, from Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP. Our client, Jamel Stanfield, a 13 year old boy was battered and assaulted while on board a Torrance Transit Bus. The minor was accused of sneaking on the bus and not paying his fare. Jamel initially boarded, paid his fare and proceeded to sit near the rear of the bus. He was riding the bus for about 15 minutes, when he stepped outside the rear exit to motion his younger brother to board the bus. In the dangerous streets of the City of Torrance, Jamel and his younger brother, Jai, normally ride the bus home together. This was their normal routine, Jamel would wave to his brother to board, then ride along together through Carson. On this occasion, the driver aggressively approached Jamel, accusing him of not paying the fare and ordered him off the bus. Jamel repeatedly told the driver he paid the fare, but finally agreed to exit the bus, but his path was blocked by the driver. Finally, making his way to the rear exit, the driver violently pushed Jamel off the bus, nearly knocking him down to the floor. When Jamel returned on board the bus to obtain the driver's information, the driver began striking at the minor. The driver repeatedly punched Jamel and cornered him to the back of the bus. The driver pounded on the boy, while on top of him. Other passengers had to force the driver off the boy, until police arrived. Mr. Nojima is representing Jamel Stanfield in a civil suit against the City of Torrance for negligently hiring, training and supervising the driver. The City should be held responsible for the acts of it's employees.