SEPTA safety guide shot, injured on Market-Frankford Line train in Philadelphia
The westbound train was at the Arrott Transportation Center when the shooting took place.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating after a safety guide contracted by SEPTA was shot on a Market-Frankford Line train on Thursday afternoon.
Sources tell Action News the shooting may have stemmed from an argument between the guide and a passenger.
Officials say it happened just after 3 p.m. near the 4700 block of Frankford Avenue.
The westbound train was heading toward the Arrott Transportation Center when the shooting took place.
The 27-year-old safety guide was shot once in the leg, according to officials.
SEPTA police transported him to Temple University Hospital, where he was placed in critical but stable condition.
There is no word yet on the guide's identity.
SEPTA guides serve as eyes and ears for transit police and let passengers know the rules of riding, according to officials.
SEPTA officials prohibit guides from carrying firearms during their shifts.
However, the guide was certified by the state to carry a firearm both at work and while traveling to and from work, Philadelphia police sources say.
Sources tell Action News that witnesses told police the guide was shot by a train rider who had a gun by his side and got into an argument with the guide.
The guide was on his way to his shift at the time, according to police sources.
Sources also said the guide believes he fired a shot in return but does not think he hit the shooter.
Other commuters voiced their frustrations after the incident, not only because of the extended commute but also because of the ongoing violence in Philadelphia.
"A lot of addicts and stuff be on the train doing things they're not supposed to be doing," added Kia, another rider. "It makes it a little uncomfortable to be on sometimes, especially in the morning."
"It's a shame because they (SEPTA) got a lot of workers now that do that type of work," said Rhonda Cook, talking about safety guides with SEPTA.
Police say no arrests have been made in this incident.
A weapon was recovered at the scene.
Action News reached out to the company the guide works for and did not hear back.
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