Woman cited for disorderly conduct on SEPTA bus in Warrington

Passenger allegedly threatened others with weapon, used racial slurs

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 67-year-old woman was cited for disorderly conduct after allegedly threatening passengers with a weapon and using racial slurs on a SEPTA bus in Warrington, Pennsylvania. The woman, identified as Joan Merritt of Levittown, admitted to the verbal altercation but claimed the reported weapon was just a pair of cuticle scissors.

Why it matters

Incidents of disorderly and threatening behavior on public transportation can raise concerns about passenger safety and the need for better de-escalation training for transit operators and law enforcement. This case also highlights ongoing issues of racial bias and discrimination that some riders may face.

The details

According to police, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Easton Road and Maple Avenue around 2:32 p.m. on February 10 for a report of a disorderly passenger on a SEPTA bus. Witnesses stated the female passenger, later identified as Joan Merritt, had been shouting obscenities and racial slurs at other passengers. Merritt was located at a nearby Wawa and admitted to the verbal altercation, but claimed the reported weapon was just a pair of cuticle scissors. Officers noted that Merritt continued to use racial slurs during the investigation, and she was subsequently cited for disorderly conduct.

  • The incident occurred on February 10, 2026 around 2:32 p.m.

The players

Joan Merritt

A 67-year-old woman from Levittown, Pennsylvania who was cited for disorderly conduct on a SEPTA bus.

SEPTA

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the regional public transportation provider serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges transit agencies face in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all passengers, and the need for continued efforts to address issues of racial bias and de-escalate confrontational situations on public transportation.