MBTA Bus Driver Denies Assaulting Commuter

An MBTA bus driver charged with beating and kicking a 42-year-old man who had asked him for directions has been held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.

Derek Smith pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lynn District Court to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the alleged attack late Tuesday night in Lynn.

A hearing to determine whether the 40-year-old Smith is a danger to society is scheduled for Monday.

Authorities say Matthew Theisz was taken to the hospital with visible facial injuries and also had internal bleeding between the brain and skull.

Smith's lawyer said Theisz was the aggressor, violently pounding on the windows of Smith's bus and throwing a snowball at the driver.

An MBTA spokesman says Smith has been suspended without pay.