A state arbitrator decided on suspension, instead of dismissal, for Paul Kiefner for the March incident involving the 15-year veteran bus driver, The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune said Friday.

Kiefner, whose age was not reported, chased after the unidentified passenger after the man took Kiefner's glasses and poked him in the eye. The passenger fled the bus but Kiefner chased him because he thought the man still had his glasses.

The passenger then tackled and punched Kiefner, the report said. The man, whose name was not reported, has an extensive criminal record, the newspaper said.

Kiefner was fired and charged with disorderly conduct but the arbitrator's ruling the week overturned the firing and reinstated Kiefner to his job.

Michelle Sommers, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005, said despite the incident, drivers should be permitted to keep ice scrapers handy.

"You're an easy target," she said. "You're sitting in a seat. You can't defend yourself."