BRISTOL, Conn — Surveillance video of an unprovoked brutal attack against a woman in a CT Transit bus last month in Bristol was released Tuesday as police continue to search for the suspect.
The Bristol Police Department released the video from inside the bus on May 18 showing a person entering the bus and sitting in the back near the victim. The woman was then seen moving closer to the front of the bus and sitting. They were the only two people on the bus as the driver was temporarily outside.
The video – which was blurred to protect the victim’s identity – then shows the suspect walking up to the victim and unexpectedly hitting her repeatedly. At one point, the suspect pulled her to the ground and continued hitting her for several moments.
The woman is seen fighting back. The attack itself lasts about 10 seconds before the suspect walks back to the back of the bus and sits down. The victim is seen moving towards the door.
Police said the attack happened at the North Main Street Bristol bus stop in front of McDonald’s.
They said the suspect – who has not been identified yet – was wearing a jacket with the words “Frank Pepe” and a “Joker” hat from the Batman movies.
Raymond Zebrowski minds his business on CT Transit. But can’t help what he overhears.
“Going after women. I mean, going right into their purses and everything and nothing’s being done about it,” he said Tuesday before catching a bus on West Main Street where a woman was attacked last month.
Zebrowski says he’s never been on a bus while a driver was away. Adding, “There’s always somebody here.”
Bonnie Emery, also of Bristol says the incident, which happened in the heart of downtown, across the street from police headquarters, is scary,” I feel horrible for her and I certainly hope they catch him because that’s not right.”
Tianna Durham says it’s why she won’t let her children ride public transportation.
“With no bus driver, someone shouldn’t be sitting there then. It’s not fair to other people but it’s not fair that someone has to be attacked. There are people that are there with kids,” Durham said.
Durham says Bristol has a larger homeless problem that also causes safety concerns, including a population that lives behind parking lots near the bus stop.
“People can’t even go to the parks because those people are lingering in the parks," she said.
CT Transit rides were free through April under a state-sponsored pilot program. Local officials say homeless people from across the state came to Bristol shelters during the day.
Durham added, “Then what happens? They become a problem to other people even though we’re trying to help those people."
Recent downtown developments, including a 104-unit apartment with retail space in front of this bus stop, could soon displace temporary residents.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to contact Det. Chris Cote at 860-314-4565.
Samaia Hernandez is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at shernandez@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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