Police release video of SEPTA bus attack of NewsWorks photographer

Philadelphia Police released video from a SEPTA Route 23 bus on which a passenger was assaulted on May 31.

The victim, a 35-year-old Mt. Airy man who works as a freelance photographer with NewsWorks, was sitting on the bus just before 2:30 p.m.

At that point, a woman boarded the vehicle and briefly sat down before getting up, approaching, slapping and punching him before exiting the bus a few blocks away at Germantown and Chelten avenues.

The victim, Bas Slabbers, called police and pictures were taken of injuries to his head and face, but he did not require medical treatment.

The assailant fled from the bus stop and has not been since located. She is described as stocky 5-foot 5-inch tall black woman with a dark complexion who was wearing a pink shirt, dark jeans and white framed sunglasses at the time.

According to a police press release from when onboard video of the attack was released, “If you see this suspect do not approach her, contact 911 immediately.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Northwest Detective Division at (215) 686-3353/54 or the tipsline at (215) 686-8477. Tips can also be texted to 773847 (PPD TIP).