DARBY, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The man seen on surveillance video punching a school crossing guard in the face earlier this week in Darby, Delaware County, has been arrested in South Carolina, the U.S. Marshals Service said on Friday.
Officials said 29-year-old Rashiem Russell, of West Philadelphia, was apprehended around 11 a.m. in Darlington, South Carolina. He is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.
The assault happened on Monday during school dismissal outside Walnut Street Elementary. Police said the crossing guard temporarily blocked the intersection, which angered a man in an older model gold Nissan Altima.
The man got out of his car and confronted the crossing guard.
“He chases after her, grabs her from behind and strikes her with a closed fist in the right side of her face,” said Darby Borough Police Chief Joe Gabe.
The guard fell to the ground and lost consciousness. She was treated and released from the hospital and has since resigned from the job.
Officials believe Russell hopped on a bus immediately after the assault and traveled down south.
“I was determined, alongside my colleagues in council, the mayor's office, federal government, state government, local law enforcement, to catch this guy and send a message that this is going to stop,” said State Sen. Anthony Williams, who represents parts of Delaware County and Philadelphia.
Russell's charges include aggravated and simple assault and harassment by physical contact.