Man Brings AK-47 on SEPTA Rush Hour Ride: Cops

A passenger alerted police, who found the rider also had a handgun, knife and ammo, according to SEPTA

By Karen Araiza
|  Thursday, Aug 2, 2012  |  Updated 8:11 PM EDT
View Comments (
)
|
Email
|
Print
SEPTA safety may be in question after a man boarded a train with an AK-47 Thursday morning and surveillance video of an attack of an elderly man last month was released today. NBC10's Jesse Gary reports.

NBC10 Philadelphia, Jesse Gary

SEPTA safety may be in question after a man boarded a train with an AK-47 Thursday morning and surveillance video of an attack of an elderly man last month was released today. NBC10's Jesse Gary reports.

advertisement
Photos and Videos

SEPTA Driver Saved Her Life During Shooting

John Johnson, President the Transport Workers Union Local 234, shows how a SEPTA driver saved her life when she was shot. Johnson said he too, was a victim of violence on the job as a SEPTA operator. The union and SEPTA are pushing for tougher legislation that better protects bus operators by making penalties harsher for criminals.
"Mindless Violence" Against SEPTA Workers Must Stop
SEPTA Union Pres. Breaks Down Over Violent Attacks

SEPTA Union Pres. Breaks Down Over Violence

Local 234 Transport Worker Union President John Johnson breaks down talking about the increasing violence against SEPTA operators in the city.
SEPTA Driver Saved Her Life During Shooting
"Mindless Violence" Against SEPTA Workers Must Stop
More Photos and Videos

SEPTA confirms to NBC10 that a man boarded the busy Broad Street line on Wednesday with a black bag that carried an assault rifle, handgun, knife and live ammo.

The gunman boarded at City Hall.

A passenger saw the suspect get on the train and called police.

SEPTA officers raced two stops up, got on the train and took the man into custody.

Police have identified the man as Jermail Michael Ponds.

Inside the bag, police say they found  weapons, $700, some pot and pain pills.

In late June, riders came to the rescue when a man attacked a SEPTA bus driver near Independence Mall.

And this summer, surveillance video captured a woman attacking a passenger on a SEPTA bus.

Safety is a big issue for transport drivers because of the dramatic increase in violent attacks over the last two years.

Get the latest headlines sent to your inbox!
Privacy Policy | More Newsletters
Posted Aug 2, 2012
Leave Comments
What's New
Free Weather Apps!
Free Weather Apps!
Download NBC10's free weather apps here! Read more
Follow Us
Sign up to receive news and updates that matter to you.
Send Us Your Story Tips
Check Out