Whereas, Officer Ronald P. Jones is 44 years old, married and has one daughter. He is a five year veteran of the Police Department, presently assigned to Operation Bureau, Uniform Patrol District No. 6 which fulfills public and operational safety obligations for SEPTA between City Hall Station and North Philadelphia Station at Broad and Glenwood Avenue; and
Whereas, On Monday, March 17, 2014 at approximately 2:55 p.m., Officer Jones responded to a police radio call of a man with a gun threatening passengers onboard a southbound Broad Street Line train that just left Cecil B. Moore Station; and
Whereas, Officer Jones informed police radio that he would inspect the next southbound train at Fairmount Station. When the train arrived, Officer Jones immediately observed a man screaming at a female passenger, threatening to shoot her; and
Whereas, Officer Jones ordered the man off the train before the assailant viciously attacked him. Officer Jones defended himself from the assault, first with the use of OC spray (pepper spray) which had no effect, and then with his expandable baton as the man screamed shoot me; and
Whereas, During the struggle the officer fell to the ground with the assailant trying to rip the handgun from Officer Jones' holster. The vicious attack continued for several minutes until backup Officers arrived to assist Officer Jones and place the man under arrest and;
Whereas, Officer Ronald Jones' swift response, tactical approach and tremendous professional restraint in confronting this violent offender was critical in protecting dozens of SEPTA passengers and prevented a further escalation of the incident by a very dangerous assailant; and
Whereas, Officer Ronald Jones' actions demonstrate his professional commitment and
personal character in fulfilling his public safety duties. The City of Philadelphia and the entire SEPTA Transit Authority commends the officer for this outstanding and heroic public service; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, that it hereby commends and honors SEPTA Police Officer Ronald P. Jones for is heroic acts of duty and bravery in the apprehension of a violent assailant threatening to shoot innocent passengers on a SEPTA train; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Officer Ronald P. Jones as evidence of the sincere appreciation of this legislative body.
End