Philadelphia Man Sentenced For Punching Schoolgirl on SEPTA Trolley
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A former worker in Philadelphia's Department of Parks and Recreation today pleaded guilty to punching a 17-year-old girl on a SEPTA trolley two months ago after she bumped him with her backpack.
Damon Oliver, 40, told the judge that he wanted to express his "sincere apologies to the young lady." The negotiated plea had him plead guilty to simple assault and the district attorney's office withdraw the other charges: making terroristic threats and reckless endangerment.
On January 21st, Oliver and the 17-year-old girl were on a crowded Route 15 trolley near Girard Avenue and North Seventh Street when she bumped him several times with her backpack.
They exchanged words and then, according to assistant district attorney Diana Cortes, Oliver punched the girl, breaking her nose.
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The attack was caught on the trolley car's surveillance video system and by at least one passerby with a smartphone.
Defense lawyer Mark Keenheel says Oliver regrets what happened and, while it's about "personal conduct on both sides," admits his client should have handled himself more appropriately as the adult in the altercation.
Judge Glynnis Hill then sentenced Oliver to 9½-23 months in prison.