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 ask SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel to resign, claiming he could not keep workers or riders safe.
- During a press conference, Nestel made it clear that he was not resigning, but acknowledged that agents needed more help.
Security video shows a crowd of teenagers attacking a SEPTA employee, prompting the Transit Workers Union to demand the resignation of the SEPTA police chief, citing safety concerns.
The incident took place around 11:30 p.m. Monday 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.
Security video shows a group of teenagers attacking a SEPTA employee at 15th Street Station in Center City late Monday night.
“No words passed,” said Willie Brown, president of TWU Local 234. “There was no reason. They just attacked him and sometimes it’s almost like they get points or they play a game where they just jump on someone. ”
The employee is recovering. But the attack prompted Brown to ask SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel to resign, claiming he cannot keep employees or riders safe.
“We have lost control of the metro system,” said Brown. ‘I think it is in charge of the police. I don’t think he has faith in his own police. “
During a press conference on Thursday, Nestel condemned the attack, calling it “outrageous behavior.” He also made it clear that he will not step down. With crime on the rise in the SEPTA system this year, Nestel also acknowledged that his officers need help.
“We’re definitely taking steps to address that,” Nestel said. “Discussions have been underway for the past month about contracting with a security company to place security guards on some platforms to maintain visibility and serve as observation and reporting posts.”
In addition to potentially adding 60 unarmed guards, Nestel championed a police policy of identifying suspects but holding off on arrest until a fuller case is filed.
“It is not catching and letting go. It’s delayed arrest processing, ”said Nestel. “You know, I don’t want the public to think we’re catching people and hugging them and saying, ‘Hey, you know, come on.’
Frequent SEPTA riders like Southwest Philadelphia’s Darla Cobb want solutions.
‘It’s awful here. It’s dangerous here, ”Cobb said. “Unbelievable and I fear for my life because that could be me.”
No arrests were made in the attack. Officials continue to investigate.