Driver arrested for hitting off-duty SEPTA cop
Philadelphia police say that a career thief from Upper Holmesburg was behind the wheel of a car that struck and critically injured an off-duty SEPTA police officer on May 22.
Jeffrey Soder, a.k.a. Jeffrey Sickel, was arrested in Montgomery County on May 27 and formally charged in Philadelphia on June 8 with aggravated assault, driving while under the influence, leaving the scene, driving without a license and related offenses.
Soder allegedly struck Transit Officer Gary Miller, 44, as Miller was jogging southbound on the 7600 block of Rowland Ave. at about 3 p.m. Surveillance cameras recorded the striking car as it continued south on Rowland and east on Oakmont Street. Police did not disclose what led them to identify Soder as the driver.
Soder, 34, of the 4600 block of Kraydor St., has at least eight prior arrests dating to 2000, including seven that involved thefts. The defendant is scheduled for a June 23 preliminary hearing. ••
