What to know
- A transit worker was preparing a work area for his crew when he was attacked by ten teenagers at 15 SEPTA Street Station in Center City.
- The attack prompted Brown to ask SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel to resign, saying he could not keep workers or riders safe.
- During a press conference, Nestel said he was not resigning, but acknowledged that officers needed more help.
The surveillance video shows a group of teenagers attacking a SEPTA worker, prompting the Transit Workers’ Union to demand the resignation of the SEPTA police chief, citing security reasons.
The incident occurred Monday around 11:30 p.m. at SEPTA’s 15th Street Station in Center City. A transit worker was preparing a work area for his crew when he was attacked by ten teenagers.
The surveillance video shows a group of teenagers attacking a SEPTA worker late Monday night at 15 Street Station in Center City.
“No words were sent,” said TWU 234 President Willie Brown. “There was no reason. They simply attacked him and sometimes it’s almost as if he gets points or has this game where he throws someone. ”
The worker is recovering. The attack prompted Brown to ask SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel to resign, saying he could not keep workers or riders safe.
“We lost control of the subway system,” Brown said. “I think it’s the leadership of the police department. I don’t think he trusts his own police force. “
During a press conference on Thursday, Nestel condemned the attack, calling it “scandalous behavior”. He also said he would not resign. With the increase in crime in the SEPTA system this year, Nestel has also acknowledged that its officers need help.
“We are certainly taking steps to try to address this,” Nestel said. “In the last month, there have been discussions about contracting with a security company to put guards on some platforms to maintain visibility and to serve as observation and reporting stations.”
In addition to the potential addition of 60 unarmed guards, Nestel defended a police policy of identifying suspects, but waiting for arrest until a more complete case is filed.
“It is not a capture and release. The arrest process is delayed, “Nestel said. “You know, I don’t want the public to think we’re catching people and hugging them and saying, ‘Hey, you know, be on the road.’
Frequent SEPTA travelers, such as Darla Cobb of Southwest Philadelphia, want solutions.
“It’s terrible down here. It’s dangerous here, “Cobb said. “Incredible and I’m afraid for my life, because I could be me.”
No arrests were made in the attack. Officials are continuing to investigate.