March 06, 2024
Thom Carroll/for PhillyVoice
Carmelo Drayton, 37, was fatally shot on a Route 79 SEPTA bus at Broad Street and Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia on Tuesday night, police say. It's the third fatal shooting on Philly's public transit system this week.
A 37-year-old man was shot and killed on a SEPTA bus in South Philly on Tuesday night, police said. It was the third fatal shooting that occurred on a SEPTA bus or at station since Sunday.
The shooter stepped out of a Route 79 bus at Broad Street and Snyder Avenue, and then opened fire at Carmelo Drayton, who was standing in the doorway, police said. The shooter then fled to Snyder Station on the Broad Street Line. The shooting occurred at 6:40 p.m.
SEPTA officials said the shooting stemmed from an argument that quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Following the shooting, Broad Street Line trains briefly bypassed Snyder Station, but resumed regular service by around 7:30 p.m.
Drayton, of South Philly, was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and declared dead at 7:27 p.m., police said.
A $20,000 reward is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information about the shooting can call (215) 686-TIPS or 911.
This incident is the latest in a string of violence on SEPTA vehicles this week. On Monday afternoon, a pair of shooters opened fire on a Route 6 SEPTA bus in Ogontz, killing 17-year-old Dayemen Taylor and injuring four others. Police have not caught the suspected shooters.
On Sunday, Sawee Kofa, 27, was fatally shot on a Route 59 SEPTA bus in Oxford Circle. Police are still searching for the shooter.
