A wealthy banker, previously apprehended in connection with the “Putney Pusher” incident, has been re-arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs. The case involved a female pedestrian being pushed in front of a bus on Putney Bridge in May 2017 in south-west London.
The 44-year-old man, residing in a £1.4 million property in west London, was initially held on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm after surveillance footage captured a jogger pushing the woman onto the road.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the individual has been re-arrested but has been released on bail while further inquiries are conducted.
According to a spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police, the man was arrested on Monday, 15 June, for the incident that occurred on 5 May 2017 at Putney Bridge. Upon being taken into custody, he was also arrested for allegedly possessing Class A and Class B drugs.
The suspect, who has a background in the Armed Forces, was detained following the emergence of significant new information. Over 50 individuals have been interviewed in connection with the case, leading to three arrests that resulted in no charges.
The investigation was closed in 2018 after extensive efforts. CCTV footage from inside the bus traveling at 12mph was released by the authorities to aid in identifying the perpetrator.
Bus driver Oliver Salbris managed to avoid hitting the pedestrian, stating that swerving was a reflex action to prevent a severe accident. The victim sustained minor injuries and was assisted by passengers after the bus came to a stop. The jogger, who returned to the scene later, ignored attempts by the woman to engage with him, as reported by the police.