Putney Pusher: Five Unanswered Questions Nine Years After Jogger 'Shoved' Woman into Bus Lane
The case of the 'Putney Pusher' has resurfaced after police arrested a 44-year-old millionaire banker on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. The arrest occurred on Monday at his £1.4 million west London home. He was later re-arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class B drugs and has been bailed until September. However, many questions remain unanswered about the incident on May 5, 2017, when a jogger seemingly shoved a woman into the path of a double-decker bus in London.
Why the 'Shove'?
This is perhaps the biggest mystery. The 33-year-old woman was crossing Putney Bridge on the pedestrian path southbound and did not appear to be obstructing the jogger. Even if she was, the apparent shove, which sent the victim head-first into a bus lane, seems inexplicable. The woman was inches from being hit by the bus.
Why Was He Not Stopped at the Time?
Bus driver Olivier Salbris, on the 430 route, swerved to avoid hitting the woman by inches. A passenger got off the bus, and the woman reportedly asked, 'Why me?' About 15 minutes later, the jogger returned across the bridge, raising the question of why he wasn't stopped then, especially since the victim reportedly challenged him. However, given the unusual nature of the incident and the man still running, it's understandable that bystanders didn't intervene.
Why Was the Man Not Caught in the Following Months?
This is another puzzling aspect. The incident occurred at 7:40 am during rush hour in a busy part of London. Hundreds of people must have seen the jogger on Putney Bridge. CCTV footage exists, but while the man is not easily identifiable, the images led to several calls to police. Yet, police couldn't gather enough evidence to charge anyone.
Why Has the Case Suddenly Been Reopened?
The Met Police examined over 50 'persons of interest' and made several arrests, including an American investment banker who was cleared because he was on holiday in California. In June 2018, police closed the case as the trail went cold. However, it was reopened, and Monday's arrest suggests new evidence emerged regarding the 'Putney Pusher's' identity.
Why Has the Man Not Been Charged?
The arrested banker has been bailed until September. Scotland Yard stated that its investigation into the alleged shove and drug offenses continues. Putney MP Fleur Anderson praised the Met for not giving up on the case.
