Police line Credit: Daniel Provisions / Flickr.com
Newly reviewed surveillance video from a SEPTA Route 55 bus shows how a verbal dispute escalated into a violent stabbing and assault earlier this month, according to investigators.
SEPTA Police detectives say the victim boarded the bus around 7:35 a.m. and was seated near the middle on the passenger side. Several minutes later, at approximately 7:42 a.m., Isaiah Castro, 28, of Philadelphia, and Raheem Tyson, 32, of Philadelphia, boarded the bus and became involved in a verbal argument with the driver over fare payment. The driver ultimately allowed both men to ride without paying.
Shortly afterward, the victim and the two suspects began arguing, along with a third unidentified male. The dispute appeared to calm once all parties took their seats.
At about 8:03 a.m., video shows the victim and Tyson resuming a conversation that initially appeared calm. Castro stood behind them with one hand concealed in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. Investigators say Castro then pulled a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times in the face and head.
As the attack continued, Tyson appeared to briefly intervene while the victim attempted to stand. Castro climbed onto a seat and stabbed the victim again before fleeing toward the rear of the bus.
After exiting the bus, the confrontation continued on the sidewalk. Police say Tyson approached the victim from behind and punched him in the face, causing the victim to collapse unconscious. Both Castro and Tyson then repeatedly stomped on the victim while he was on the ground before fleeing southbound on Old York Road.
Investigators say Castro also took the victim’s cell phone before leaving the scene.
The victim was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for multiple stab wounds to the face and head, as well as a broken jaw.
A preliminary hearing for Castro and Tyson is scheduled for Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m. before Magisterial District Judge R. Emmett Madden.
Both Castro and Tyon are facing felony charges of aggravated assault with a weapon, robbery, and other charges.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
