Watch CBS News

Police: Cross-Dressing Male Slashed SEPTA Driver Over Fare Dispute

By Steve Beck, Al Novack

COLLINGDALE, Pa. (CBS) – A male dressed as a female slashed a SEPTA driver in the face after attempting to board a trolley without paying, police said.

The incident happened shortly after midnight Friday at MacDade Boulevard and Woodlawn Avenue in Collingdale.

According to investigators, the incident began when a male passenger, dressed as a female, attempted to board a SEPTA trolley without paying. The SEPTA driver advised the suspect that he had to pay and the suspect began yelling at the driver.

During the shouting match, police say the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Christopher Vinson, slashed the driver in the face with a knife and then ran off the bus. Police say Vinson was wearing a gray t-shirt and leopard-skin pants.

Officers with Collingdale Police Department arrived on the scene and eventually tracked Vinson down and took him into custody.

The bus driver, who has not been identified, was taken to Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital for treatment of a wound on his face. He was treated and released.

Vinson, of Darby Township, has been charged with Simple Assault, Aggravated Assault, Possession Instrument of Crime, Reckless Endangering another Person, Harassment, and Theft of Services.

Vinson was arraigned on Friday and is being held on $100,000 bail. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 18th.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.