January 28, 2015
Philadelphia police have arrested a man who allegedly beat up a teen riding the Route 15 SEPTA trolley, CBS Philly reported.
Damon Oliver, 30, turned himself into police Wednesday morning. The attack took place Jan. 21.
According to Philly.com, Oliver works for the city's Parks and Recreation Department.
Oliver allegedly attacked the 17-year-old on her way to school after her backpack bumped against him as they rode the trolley eastbound on Girard Avenue at about 7:30 a.m. According to NBC10 Philadelphia, he allegedly took the teen's hat from her head and threw it on the ground. After the girl picked up her hat, Oliver allegedly struck her in the face, NBC10 reports.
Video showed the attacker exiting the trolley at 7th Street and Girard Avenue.
The girl was treated at Jefferson Hospital for her injuries.
The victim's mother, Foi Wharton, posted on Facebook about the incident.
Yesterday morning on her way to school, (my daughter) was in a crowded 15 trolly and her book bag kept hitting this guy. He started calling her out of her name and pulled her hat off. When she got up from picking her hat up, he hit her like 3-4 times in the face & ran off the trolly at 7th & Girard. (My daughter) suffered a black eye & broken nose. As I know her physical scars will soon heal, please pray for my baby's emotional & mental state.
Bystanders captured video of the incident — and video from the trolley is being reviewed by police as well.
Oliver was charged with terroristic threats, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
