What to know
- A transit worker was setting up a work zone for his crew when he was attacked by ten teenagers at SEPTA’s 15th Street Station in Center City.
- The attack prompted Brown to resign SEPTA police chief Thomas Nestel, claiming he could not keep workers or riders safe.
- During a press conference, Nestel made it clear that he did not resign, but acknowledged that officers needed more help.
A surveillance video shows a crowd of teenagers attacking a SEPTA worker, urging the Transit Workers Union to resign from SEPTA’s police chief, citing security concerns.
The incident occurred Monday around 11:30 p.m., at SEPTA’s 15th Street Station in Center City. A transit worker was setting up a work zone for his crew when he was attacked by ten teenagers.
A surveillance video shows a group of teenagers attacking a SEPTA worker late Monday night at 15th Street Station in Center City.
“No words were conveyed,” said Willie Brown, president of TWU Local 234. “There was no reason. They just attacked him and sometimes it’s almost like they’re getting points or that they’re getting this game going where they’m just jumping on someone. ”
The worker is recovering. But the attack prompted Brown to resign SEPTA police chief Thomas Nestel, claiming he could not keep workers or riders safe.
“We have lost control of the subway system,” Brown said. “I think it’s the leadership of the police. I do not think he trusts in his own police force. ”
At a news conference on Thursday, Nestel condemned the attack, calling it “outrageous behavior”. He also made it clear that he would not resign. As crime in the SEPTA system increases this year, Nestel has also acknowledged that its officers need help.
“We are definitely taking measures to address this,” Nestel said. “Over the past month, there have been discussions about contracting with a security guard company to place guards on some platforms to maintain visibility and serve as observation and reporting posts.”
In addition to the possible addition of 60 unarmed guards, Nestel has also defended police policy to identify suspects but is waiting to be arrested until a fuller case is made.
“It is not catch and release. It is delayed processing of arrests, “said Nestel. “You know, I do not want the public to think that we are catching people and giving them a hug and saying, ‘Hey, you know, be on your way. ‘
Regular SEPTA riders like Darla Cobb of Southwest Philadelphia want solutions.
‘It’s awful down here. It’s dangerous down here, ”said Cobb. “Amazing and I’m scared for my life because it could be me.
No arrest was made in the attack. Officials are continuing to investigate.