SEPTA Cop From Bensalem Charged With Assault During Protests

PHILADELPHIA — A SEPTA Police sergeant from Bensalem has been charged with assault and other crimes stemming from an incident that occurred during protests on May 30.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said his office has filed aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, official oppression, unsworn falsification to authorities and related charges against SEPTA Police Sgt. Matthew Sinkiewicz, 36.

Sinkiewicz was arrested Thursday after an investigation by the SEPTA Transit Police Department.

The DA's office alleges Sinkiewicz attacked two protesters without provocation, striking them multiple times on the head and body with his baton during an anti-racism protest outside of the Municipal Services Building on Saturday, May 30 during the Black Lives Matter mass protests.

Sinkiewicz was among the law enforcement officers stationed in front of the Municipal Services Building near the Frank Rizzo statue, which has since been removed.

Both protesters who were allegedly struck by Sinkiewicz sustained injuries, including lacerations that required treatment at a hospital.

Additionally, the DA's office said paperwork submitted by Sinkiewicz following the incident was found to not accurately reflect what transpired during his interaction with the two protesters.

This case will be prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office Special Investigations Unit. Members of the public may submit complaints about possible official misconduct including by law enforcement to the Special Investigations Unit hotline at 215-686-9608.

Patch's Max Bennett contributed to this report.