Apr 7, 2008 4:32 pm US/Eastern
Concerns Raised After Latest SEPTA Assault
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
SEPTA police have stepped up patrols following the assault of a rider by three wig wearing suspects Friday. The latest attack marks the third incident on Philadelphia's public transit system in less than two weeks.
Police said a male victim was assaulted on the SEPTA El train by three male suspects wearing black wigs around 11:30 p.m. Friday.
SEPTA officials said the suspects struck the victim and stole $20 shortly after he boarded the train at 13th Street.
At the 15th Street stop, the victim exited the train and reported the incident to a SEPTA cashier who contacted police.
The victim was treated and released for a cut to his face at Hahnemann University Hospital.
The latest attack came just days after a woman was assaulted by approximately a dozen suspects near 8th and Market Streets. The victim's tooth was broken in the incident. Police said nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the assault.
On March 26, Sean Conroy, the manager of a Center City Starbucks, died of an asthma attack after being randomly assault by a group of teens.
SEPTA riders are understandably shaken in the wake of recent violence.
"It don't make sense for people to get attacked on SEPTA, something that you ride," SEPTA rider Robert Jackson said, "Go to work and make a living and that don't make sense that you get attacked."
Volunteer group the Guardian Angels are increasing their presence on the rail lines in hopes of becoming a visible deterrent and inspiring others to be vigilant."
"We're doing five patrols and the more people we get, the more going to be there. We doing day and night," Guardian Angel Oscar Centeno said.
Related Stories:Arrests Made In Latest SEPTA Attack
Additional Teens Charged In Deadly SEPTA Assault
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