SEPTA driver in dousing, hitting incident suspended

A SEPTA bus driver under investigation for allegedly striking a passenger last week was suspended Monday without pay, the transit agency announced.

The action comes days after a video surfaced showing the driver, who remained unidentified Monday, allegedly dousing a young female passenger with water and hitting her twice in the face. The incident happened aboard a Route 57 bus about 8 a.m. Friday on Rising Sun Avenue near Duncannon Street in Olney.

The incident was precipitated by a dispute over bus fare, said Andrew Busch, a SEPTA spokesman.

SEPTA police have yet to find the woman involved. They are seeking assistance identifying her, and want statements from any other witnesses to the altercation. Anyone with information is urged to contact SEPTA police at 215-580-8111. - Jason Laughlin