Boston Bus Driver Allegedly Kidnaps, Sexually Assaults Female Passenger; Offers Her Green Card

A 45-year-old Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) contract driver is facing multiple charges after he was allegedly caught on a surveillance camera locking a woman inside his bus and sexually assaulting her Saturday night, authorities said.

Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins said Ali Ennab, of Revere, was charged with kidnapping, assault to rape and indecent assault and battery in a Tuesday arraignment before the East Boston Division of the Boston municipal court, WBTS-CD reported.

Prosecutors said Ennab, a contract worker for Paul Revere Transportation, picked up a non-English speaking woman at approximately 7:20 p.m. on his Orient Heights to Winthrop route. The woman reportedly missed her stop and used a translator app to ask Ennab to bring her to Orient Heights.

Ennab, however, allegedly brought the woman near a beach in Winthrop instead and shut off the bus. The victim began to feel nervous because she was the only passenger on the bus at the time.

Ennab sat next to the victim and put his arm around her, authorities said. He then kissed the woman on the cheek and said he could get her a green card, CBS reported. The driver proceeded to eat his dinner and refused to open the doors after the woman said she had a husband.

Afterward, Ennab allegedly lunged at the woman, ripped off her mask and began to kiss her. He then proceeded to grope her, according to prosecutors. The woman reportedly recorded audio of the attack with her phone.

Ennab can be heard in the recorded audio saying, "Me, I'm the boyfriend for you. It's ok," after the woman begged in Spanish for him to stop, according to Rollins.

Ennab opened the door and allowed the victim to leave when an unidentified woman walked near the bus.

"To state the obvious: A woman should be able to ride a public bus without fear of kidnap and sexual assault. Women, just like all people, have the right to not be harassed, violated, harmed or objectified," Rollins said.

"As I have said, fathers need to start speaking to their sons, and men need to tell their brothers, friends and colleagues about a new vision of masculinity where men are working to end violence against women and girls," she added.

In a statement sent to WFXT, Paul Revere Transportation said it "was shaken to learn about the allegations."

"In addition to suspending the employee, the company immediately assisted the MBTA Transit Police Department with detention and arrest of the suspect. Paul Revere will continue to cooperate fully with authorities on all matters related to the ongoing investigation," the company said.

The MBTA, in response to news of the incident, said in a statement, "These disturbing allegations are abhorrent and intolerable," as per CBS.

"The MBTA is cooperating fully with law enforcement personnel, including Transit Police and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. This individual will no longer operate a bus for the MBTA," the MBTA continued.

Ennab was released on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on May 25.