Man accused of grabbing, kissing SEPTA officer in Upper Darby identified
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Authorities have identified the suspect accused of forcibly kissing a SEPTA transit officer at the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby, Delaware County.
53-year-old Yesufu Ganiyu is facing numerous charges, including Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Harassment, and Resisting Arrest..
The incident happened 3:30 p.m. Monday.
Police say the female transit officer was on patrol at the 69th Street Terminal when a man, now identified as Ganiyu, approached her.
She activated her body camera which captured the man as he demanded she kiss him.
"Back up. Back up," the officer says.
"Let me give you a kiss. Let me give you a little kiss," Ganiyu says.
"This rolled pretty quickly. You see the officer activated her body camera which is fantastic because it provided tremendous evidence for us. As this guy is very aggressive about grabbing her and attempting to kiss her," SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel said.
You heard her radio for help, but the suspect pressed on.
"Let me kiss you," Ganiyu says.
"Have a seat on the bench," the officer says.
"Let me kiss you," Ganiyu says.
"Have a seat on the bench," the officer says.
"She was creating space. Trying to get on the radio and get some back-up there. But then she decides to move in and try to make the arrest. She grabs him by the arm and spins him away from her and did a really, really fine job. I am proud of how she handled it," Nestel said.
The officer was not injured, but her chief says she was definitely rattled by her encounter with Ganiyu.
"It's aggravating. I hate to see any woman treated by a man that way. But a uniformed police officer trying to protect people. It's horrible," Nestel said.
On Twitter Monday night, Nestel was tweeting out what happened.
Social media users responded to Nestel sending their support to the transit officer.
"Thank you! I plan on telling her about the people who are willing to stand on the line with her," Nestle tweeted.
Police did not show Action News the actual takedown as it will be part of what's used in court.
Ganiyu, who is known to police, is now locked up in Delaware County.
