I-Team Exclusive: SEPTA Conductor Charged In Alleged Attack Of Passenger
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- SEPTA says conductor Gregory Kelley Sr. has surrendered to police, with his attorney, charged with attacking a passenger aboard a SEPTA Regional Rail train at Suburban Station.
The 28 year veteran employee has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, and REAP for an incident on October 15th The 50-year-old conductor, who has been temporarily removed from duty, lives in Montgomery Township.
In an exclusive CBS 3 I-Team interview with Investigative Reporter Walt Hunter, the alleged victim says Kelley began screaming at him, punching him and trying to choke him.
The rider, who showed pictures of a laceration on his face, and bruises on his throat to Hunter, says the conductor apparently became enraged after he accidentally brushed against him as he was boarding the train.
The conductor yelled, "You bumped me! You bumped me!" while allegedly attacking the victim.
The victim says, "He threw about twenty blows, and I had to block at the time. He tried to reach and scratch my face. He tried to gouge my eyes out."
The rider, who asked his identity not be revealed, says he was left shaken and sought hospital treatment for his injuries.
"He tried to choke me out," he tells Walt Hunter.
SEPTA police, who conducted the investigation, obtained the criminal warrant after interviewing the alleged victim and at least three witnesses.
After learning of the conductor's arrest, the rider told CBS 3's Walt Hunter he was relieved, adding that he had stopped riding Septa Regional Rail lines, fearing he might encounter the conductor again.
George Kelley Sr. was arraigned early Thursday morning. His bail was set at $5,000, and his next court appearance is scheduled for November 15, 2013.
