PHILADELPHIA — CBS reported riders got off a train to help a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) police officer who was attacked by a suspect who allegedly said he had a gun and was threatening to shoot passengers, according to a SEPTA official.
The suspect turned violent after the officer tried to pull him off the train. The officer attempted to use pepper spray and his baton on the suspect, who was believed to be on drugs, according to CBS, but neither was effective in stopping the attack. During the struggle, the suspect kept trying to take the officer’s gun and passengers ran to the officer’s aid.
The suspect eventually managed to get away, with passengers running after him. Eventually, backup arrived and took the suspect into custody. For the full story, click here.
Riders help SEPTA officer struggling with violent suspect
The suspect, who allegedly says he has a gun and threatens to shoot passengers, attacks the officer after the officer pulls him off the train. During the struggle, passengers run to the officer’s aid, and the suspect is eventually taken into custody.
More Rail

The Expanding Role of Advisory in Transit Delivery
Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.
Read More →
Federal Railroad Administration Finalizes Rail Rules Aimed at Efficiency and Safety
See what deregulatory rail rules were finalized to reduce outdated requirements, support innovation, and streamline rail operations without compromising safety.
Read More →
NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan
The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.
Read More →
STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.
Read More →
LA Metro Opens D Line Extension
The only new subway opening in the US this year, the D Line Extension represents one of Metro’s top transit priorities and a historic milestone for Los Angeles, with Sections 2 and 3 set to open in 2027.
Read More →
Maryland Governor Installs Final Purple Line Rail During Tour
The moment marks the completion of 193,100 feet of track linking Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
Read More →
PATCO Opens New Operations Control Center
The new center serves as the central hub for monitoring and managing PATCO train operations, communications, customer service coordination, incident response, and overall operational oversight across the transit system.
Read More →
VIA Rail reports Stable Ridership, Rising Revenue Amid Ongoing Challenges
Despite these pressures, VIA Rail is reporting that total revenues increased to $514.8 million as more travelers took advantage of the wide range of options available through the corporation’s new reservation system.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Introduces Multi-Rider Feature for Contactless Payments
Up until now, this feature was only available when using a SEPTA Key card.
Read More →
ABC Teams with Waev, Knorr-Bremse in Boston Top Biz Briefs
Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.
Read More →