Driver fleeing state police hits SEPTA bus on Market Street injuring bus driver
An investigation is underway, Pa. State Police officials said, after a driver fleeing a traffic stop crashed into two vehicles, including a SEPTA bus, along Market Street in Center City Philly overnight.
According to police, the incident began at about 11:43 p.m. on Tuesday when the driver of a black Chevrolet Impala — identified as Marcus Stewart by officials — fled a traffic stop from Pa. State Police troopers after he was, allegedly, spotted driving erratically near the intersection of North 33rd and Spring Garden streets.
Troopers followed in pursuit as Stewart, allegedly, drove down Spring Garden Street to the Ben Franklin Parkway where, officials said, he drove southbound down 19th Street, then eastbound on JFK Boulevard before heading south on 11th Street in the wrong direction.
At the intersection of 11th and Filbert streets, police said the troopers broke off the pursuit.
However, shortly after the pursuit ended, police said, Stewart crashed his Impala when he attempted to pass two vehicles — including a SEPTA bus — that were stopped at a red light at the intersection of 11th and Market streets.
According to SEPTA officials, the crash happened at about 1 a.m. when Stewart’s vehicle struck the Route 45 SEPTA bus, injuring the driver inside.
The driver was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, SEPTA said on Wednesday morning.
The bus, SEPTA said, was damaged and Stewart’s Impala sustained “major front-end damage.”
Police said Stewart’s Impala came to a stop after it struck both vehicles.
He was arrested at the scene, officials said, without further incident.
Stewart, officials with the Pa. State Police said, has been charged with DUI, drug possession and a variety of traffic offenses following the crash.
Also, officials said, police said Stewart was found to be sought on, at least, six active warrants from a number of counties after his apprehension.
An investigation into this incident is ongoing.
