Man Charged With Dumping Debris On Broad Street Subway Line Ordered Held Without Bail Pending Trial
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A 23-year-old Philadelphia man, charged with dumping debris on Septa's Broad Street subway line causing an off-hours accident, has been ordered held without bail pending trial.
Authorities sought detention because of the nature of the charges and the defendant allegedly sent a threatening letter to the mother of his children who is a potential witness in the case.
There were no injuries in the accident, which occurred before normal service began, but while in custody, the prosecution says defendant Nicolas Colon sent the threatening letter. But the defense argued it wasn't threatening -- the words were just rap lyrics and also in the letter Colon expressed his love for his children.
Colon is charged with disabling and attempting to disable a mass transportation vehicle. Defense attorney Timothy Zearfoss, is conceding nothing, but acknowledges Colon has a history of mental illness and there's an allegation of drug abuse.
"Certainly it was not the acts of a person who was in their rational mind at that point. He was a good student in school, he has custody of his children, and he has no history of violence," Zearfoss said.
Zearfoss describes the crime as vandalism. Colon has pleaded not guilty.