Friday, April 22, 2011

Developmentally Disabled Man Beaten on City Bus

A passenger with autism was attacked on a San Bernardino bus and the assault was caught on tape. It happened near 15th Street and Medical Center Drive on April 10 [2011]. Police are asking for the public's help finding the suspect.
Surveillance video from onboard an Omnitrans bus on Sunday, April 10, [2011] just after 5 p.m. The suspect can be seen walking up and boarding the bus.
After a short conversation with the bus driver, the suspect deposits his money, and walks toward the back of the bus to find a seat.
That's when for some reason he becomes agitated with one passenger. Police say that man has autism.
The suspect continued to threaten the victim, telling him to be quiet. Then, without warning, the suspect punched the victim.
The suspect pushes the victim toward the front of the bus, and then out the front door. Later, the suspect gets off the bus and continues to threaten the victim.
The victim pleaded with the suspect to stop.
Detectives in the San Bernardino Police Department say they're sickened.
"It was clearly an assault that has really kind of affected our detectives. They very much would like to find this guy," said San Bernardino Police Lt. Jarrod Burguan. "The victim does not have any life-threatening injuries. He was treated and released. He has several stitches in his face and his lips. He has since been interviewed by our detectives. Clearly, because of his disabilities and such, he has no idea why this occurred to him. He doesn't understand, necessarily, why this occurred or what provoked it."
But as for the suspect, so far police haven't had any luck in catching up with him. He's described as a black man, about 35 to 40 years old, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing about 190 pounds, wearing a black baseball cap with the letters "IE."
It's been a week and a half and police still have no idea who the assault suspect is.
If you recognize the suspect, you're asked to call San Bernardino Police at (909) 384-5637.
UPDATE -- 5:30 p.m., April 21, 2011: Someone saw the story and recognized the suspect, called a law enforcement friend, who then called San Bernardino Police.
Ronald Jackson, 44, of San Bernardino was already in San Bernardino Police custody on a charge of carjacking. Jackson was positively identified. Charges were expected to be filed Friday against him.

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