BOLO: Police searching for man they say attacked MARTA rider on train

ATLANTA — Police are searching for a man after a video posted on Instagram shows him repeatedly punching another man riding on a MARTA train.

The assault happened last Saturday around 8 p.m. on the eastbound train as it headed into the Georgia State station, police said. Police are now searching for the attacker and are asking for the public's help to identify him.

In the disturbing video, you can hear the shirtless attacker say, "I'm tired of you asking for change."

Channel 2's Matt Johnson talked to MARTA passengers who recognized the victim as someone who asks people for change at stations. Channel 2 Action News is not identifying the victim.

Johnson spoke to a woman who knows the victim and said he was never aggressive.

"He would ask very kindly, 'Do you have any loose change?' And he would just hold his hand out while you walked by," the woman said. "Nobody deserves to be treated that way."

MARTA police sent Johnson a "Be on the lookout" flyer with photos of the attacker.

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Police said he's been seen on surveillance video at the Ashby and Oakland City stations, as well.

Police also sent Johnson a statement, reading:

"We take matters of this nature seriously and request the ongoing assistance of our passengers in keeping our buses, train and stations safe. If you witness violence or other criminal activity, please alert your bus or rail operator." 

Passengers Johnson spoke to near the Georgia State station said panhandling is an issue but not an excuse for what is in the video.

"Not to the point that you need violence," Nici Barnett said. "That's really sad. Just walk away."

MARTA police are asking anyone who has information on the attacker to call 404-848-4911.

Cox Media Group