Police Searching For Suspect Who Punched SEPTA Bus Driver In Face
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --The search is on for a man wanted for attacking a SEPTA bus driver. Police hope $1,000 will entice someone to identify the attacker.
The driver was just doing his job when he was assaulted by a passenger who didn't have fare for the bus. SEPTA is hoping the public can help identify the attacker.
If you want to take a SEPTA bus route, it'll cost you $2.50. But on July 8, this man did not have the cash and was denied access to the Route 55 bus. Before exiting, he punched the driver in the face, according to SEPTA.
A man who did not want to be on camera says his friend was on the bus during the altercation and he called him after the man took off.
"Don't nobody deserve to get hit, especially for doing their job," the man said. "He socked him."
The SEPTA police chief agrees. SEPTA is now offering a $1,000 reward to the first person who can identify the man.
Punching a SEPTA bus operator endangers our community. Transit Police need to speak with this young man. ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS to the first person who provides enough information to identify him. Call 215.580.8111 pic.twitter.com/P0vYWTKLw6
— Thomas J. Nestel III (@TNestel3) August 9, 2019
Other passengers who take the bus say they've seen people turned away for not having bus fare, but it never resulted in physical violence.
"They usually get mad or the bus driver just tells them to get off," Tony Broomfield said.
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SEPTA is hoping this will be the last time an operator is assaulted. And it's hopeful the cash reward will encourage folks to help investigators identify the unruly passenger.
"They're doing their job. So why assault somebody just because they're doing their job?" one man said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact SEPTA police at 215-580-8111.