If Somebody’s Attacking a SEPTA Officer, SEPTA Would Like You to Not Ignore That, Please

SEPTA officers are getting grumpy about a spate of recent incidents in which officers have been attacked—and the public has just watched, without intervening or calling other officers to the scene. 6ABC reports:

SEPTA officers have found themselves under attack recently and no one has been eager to help them in either instance.

Passengers Action News interviewed say they’d like to help, but many conceded there can be a tendency to just watch.

Last Thursday, a day after Officer Washington was allegedly attacked, two plain clothed officers tried to apprehend a juvenile jumping onto the tracks. Again, officers found themselves in a struggle. Passengers just stood and watched and no one summoned help.

(SEPTA Chief) Thomas Nestel says police don’t want bystanders to intervene, but they can provide assistance.

“The message is call 911 and say that an officer needs help,” Nestel said.