Reward posted in search for suspects in shooting of SEPTA train conductor
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Authorities have released surveillance photos and announced a reward in their search for two suspects wanted in connection with the shooting of a SEPTA Regional Rail conductor last week.
SEPTA Chief Tom Nestel didn't mince words when describing how important it is to track down the suspects.
"These two men are SEPTA's most wanted," he said in a press conference Monday afternoon as he announced a $6,000 reward in the case.
Five thousand dollars of the reward money is coming from SEPTA. The other $1,000 is from the Philadelphia Crime Commission.
Authorities have released surveillance video of the two men who tried to rob a Regional Rail train conductor on Friday. They demanded money from the employee and then shot him. Authorities say the suspects did not get away with any money.
SEPTA officials say train conductors, who take money from passengers buying tickets onboard, often have very little - if any - money on them.
"This was not a high dollar heist," said Nestel.
The incident happened at 3:30 last Friday afternoon. The train had just stopped at the station at 157 Carpenter Lane in West Mount Airy. The conductor was shot in the hip. Authorities say he's recovering.
"We'd like to find these suspects today," said SEPTA Board Chair Pat Deon.
The suspects are both described as black males in their early 20s. The man who fired the shot is about 5'6", thin build, with a light brown complexion and a mustache. He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt at the time of the shooting.
The second suspect is 5'9" with a muscular build, a light beard and a medium brown complexion. He was wearing a grey hooded GAP sweatshirt.
Both of the men ran away after the shooting towards the intersection of Carpenter Lane and Emlen Street.
Nestel says SEPTA train conductors are not allowed to carry weapons. Officials say they'll look at more security measures to protect employees and passengers.
SEPTA officials say officers do ride the trains as a security measure as well. Authorities also stress that with the increased use of key cards, conductors will likely carry even less cash than they do now.
Anyone with a tip in the case should call police or 215-546-TIPS (8477).
