There have been a rash of horrifying subway shoving attacks in NYC over the last few months—but at least we can say the NYPD informed the public about the suspects when they were at large. The Philadelphia police are being scrutinized after a similar attack occurred at a Philly subway station, and they withheld video and a description of the suspect from the public for two days while he was still on the loose. Below, you can see the graphic video, which shows the suspect viciously punching and beating a woman, and then dragging and throwing her onto the SEPTA subway tracks at 8th and Race in Chinatown on Tuesday afternoon.
William Clark
The suspect, who has since been identified as William Clark, had initially approached the woman asking to borrow a light for his cigarette. Thankfully, the 23-year-old woman escaped the attack with just bumps, bruises and some cuts—unlike Ki-Suck Han, who was allegedly fatally pushed onto the tracks by Naeem Davis, and Sunando Sen, who was allegedly fatally pushed onto the tracks by Erika Menendez.
Police say they didn't release a description of the suspect to the public right away because it was an "investigative strategy:" "He had a very distinct jacket and it was so distinct that we were trying to keep it within law enforcement circles because it was our best lead," SEPTA Transit Police Chief Thomas Nestel said. "It was my decision, and I have to tell you, it's not an easy decision to make," he told NBC.
Nestel admitted it was a risky strategy, but ultimately, it seems to have worked. A transit officer spotted Clark, 36, wearing the distinct jacket on Thursday; he still had the victim's cell phone on him. Clark has been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, robbery, theft and receiving stolen property.
