Crime & Safety

Bus Driver Pleads No Contest, Found Guilty In RTA Uppercut Case

Artis Hughes could face up to six months in jail when he is sentenced

Artis Hughes -- the former RTA bus driver who is accused of uppercutting an unruly female passenger -- pleaded "no contest" to a charge of assault Tuesday morning in Shaker Heights Municipal Court, according to NewsNet5.

The judge found Hughes guilty but did not sentence him.

Hughes could face up to six months in jail or $1,000 in fines when he is sentenced.

Find out what's happening in Beachwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hughes' sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.

Meanwhile, Shidea Lane -- the woman Hughes is accused of striking -- was charged with disorderly conduct and a trial has been scheduled for May 2 in Shaker Heights Municipal Court.

Find out what's happening in Beachwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hughes, 59,  and Lane, 25, were involved in an altercation — which was recorded on a cell phone and later became a viral video — on an RTA bus in Beachwood last fall.

Lane reportedly boarded an RTA #5 bus Sept. 18 without paying. A dispute began that ended in Hughes, who was driving the bus, uppercutting Lane.

Hughes was subsequently charged with a misdemeanor count of assault; Lane, with disorderly conduct.

Artis, a 22-year-veteran of the Cleveland RTA, was fired from the RTA following the incident and his union is fighting for his job. Arbitration is pending.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Beachwood