PHILADELPHIA, PA – A 35-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a violent early-morning robbery that left a 66-year-old woman injured while waiting for a SEPTA bus in Northeast Philadelphia last month.
According to investigators, the incident occurred around 6:39 a.m. on January 18 at the intersection of Benner Street and Castor Avenue, where the victim was waiting for a Route 59 SEPTA bus. Police say a red Jeep SUV pulled up and at least two suspects got out. One, described as a masked Black female in her twenties, allegedly grabbed the victim’s bookbag, sparking a struggle that left the woman on the ground.
During the altercation, the suspect reportedly used a taser on the victim’s arms and hands, forcing her to release the bag. The offenders then fled in the Jeep with the stolen bookbag, which contained the victim’s personal documents and approximately $500 in cash.
Victim assisted by SEPTA driver, police trace suspect with public help
Police said the victim was helped to her feet by the bus driver when the Route 59 bus arrived moments later. The incident was later reported, prompting an investigation by Philadelphia police detectives.
With assistance from the public and surveillance footage, investigators identified and arrested 35-year-old Janesha Pickett of the 6500 block of Large Street. Pickett has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Robbery, and related offenses.
- A 66-year-old woman was tasered and robbed at a Philadelphia bus stop
- Police identified and arrested suspect Janesha Pickett, 35, of Large Street
- Pickett faces multiple assault and robbery charges
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether additional suspects from the red Jeep SUV have been identified, as the investigation remains active.
