Suspect identified in SEPTA bus stabbing

WTXF - PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Philadelphia Police say they have charged a person of interest following a stabbing on a SEPTA bus.

William Smalls, 27, has been charged with aggravated assault and related offenses.

The incident happened Friday afternoon on the Route 56 bus, while it was stopped near Torresdale Avenue and Paul Street in Frankford around 2:00 p.m.

According to Lieutenant Rosenbaum, around 2:00 p.m. a male depicted in the video gets onto the bus which was traveling southbound on Torresdale Avenue. The male did not have a proper transfer, and the bus driver questions it, but decides to let the man ride.

The man then reportedly became irate about the bus driver's actions and begins to argue with the driver.

According to Lt. Rosenbaum, one of the passengers pushed the man off the bus, and a fight ensued. The fight at first looked like a fist fight, but the offender had a knife and stabbed the victim several times in the neck and body area.

The victim was then rushed to Temple Hospital where he is in critical condition.

According to Lt. Rosenbaum, many people were on the bus and some got off to get on another bus, perhaps not realizing the severity of the situation. Some passengers also stayed to help.

The victim is unable to speak currently due to his condition.

The suspect is described as a black male in his 30s, standing 5'7".

Police have not yet released further details on the person of interest at this time.