An MTA bus driver has been charged after police say he assaulted a passenger Wednesday.

Police say the driver, 49-year-old Toussaint Cummings, told a passenger he could not board a bus at Bay Parkway and Bath Avenue with a dog in his bag. Police say an argument ensued and that's when the driver placed his hands around the victim's neck and closed the doors.

Cummings is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and unlawful imprisonment. 

MTA officials say Cummings will be removed from service pending an investigation.