(Image: Fox29)
A young man has been arrested following a violent attack on a woman who was taking photos for an art project along the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia. The attack occurred at around 9 a.m. on October 18 in Center City, leaving the community in shock.
The 56-year-old victim was walking along the 400 block of South Schuylkill River Trail when 24-year-old Davine Butler allegedly approached her. According to the police, Butler slammed the woman to the ground and threw her phone into the river before repeatedly punching her. The attack left the woman injured and traumatized, though she was quickly rushed to Jefferson University Hospital, where she was treated.
Police responded swiftly after being flagged down by witnesses. Officers were able to track down Butler on the other side of the river. When confronted by authorities, he was found with a pocket knife in his possession. After being Tasered, Butler was arrested and taken into custody.
Butler now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, robbery, theft-unlawful taking, and simple assault, along with other related offenses. As of now, no public defender has been assigned to represent him, according to available online court records, told CBS News.
The attack has left local residents stunned. Roger Cast, a regular user of the trail, told 6ABC, “It’s very upsetting. I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve always thought it to be pretty safe.” Kelly Dougherty, another frequent visitor to the trail, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Hopefully it was just a freak thing. You never want to let your guard down, especially if you are by yourself.”
The assault comes amid a rise in seemingly random violent incidents throughout Philadelphia. Just one day before, a 61-year-old man was slashed with a meat cleaver while riding a bus in Spring Garden. In another recent attack, a man was beaten and robbed along the 1500 block of JFK Boulevard. Police have since released surveillance footage of the brutal incident.
With crime becoming an increasingly hot topic, residents have been forced to take extra precautions when navigating the city. “You never want to let your guard down,” said Dougherty, who lives in Fitler Square. “Especially if you are by yourself, on this trail, and you have your headphones in like I do a lot of the time. It’s an important reminder not to keep your music too loud and to always look over your shoulder.”
The surge in violent incidents has intensified discussions about safety and security, particularly with the 2024 presidential election approaching. Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election. Crime has emerged as a significant concern for voters, especially in major cities like Philadelphia, as political experts keep a close eye on how it may sway public opinion.
As the community grapples with the recent attacks, Philadelphia residents remain on high alert, hoping for swift justice and a renewed focus on public safety.
