Police are searching for a man who they say was caught on surveillance video attacking a man with autism on a SEPTA train in Philadelphia.
Police said the unidentified man entered a northbound Broad Street Line train from the City Hall Station on March 14 around 8:30 p.m.
As the train approached Cecil B. Moore Station, the suspect assaulted 25-year-old Isaiah Miller who has autism, investigators said. Police released surveillance video that they say shows the attack.
"Seeing the video, it made it worse than I could ever imagine. I’ve never seen someone attack someone like that in my life and I’m 50 years old," Beth Miller, the victim's mother said.
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Miller’s mother said he was on his way home that night on the Broad Street Line after bowling with friends. Isaiah says it started after he tried being nice and saying hello to a few women on the train. Out of nowhere, he says, the guy followed him and charged at him.
"The attacker told me I was creeping out the girls, but I wasn’t," Isaiah said.
A Good Samaritan jumped in and pulled the guy off of Isaiah.
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Police said the suspect then fled the station in an unknown direction. Miller suffered injuries to his face.
The soon-to-be Temple University graduate is hoping someone sees the video and photos of the suspect, and call authorities immediately. His mother is convinced the man assaulted her son because of his disability.
"It’s more reminiscent of being at the Philadelphia Zoo and seeing one animal in disproportionate size attack a cub. You’re speechless and can’t believe what you saw," Beth said.
If you have any information on the suspect’s identity, please call SEPTA Transit Police at 215-580-8111.
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