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Shoppers at the KARCO gas station on Broad and West Clearfield Streets can expect to see security guards toting rifles and sporting kevlar vests for the foreseeable future, owner Neil Patel told FOX 29.
Patel said "robbery, drug trafficking," and "gangs" in the area prompted him to take the unusual approach.
According to 6ABC, a shooting occurred at the KARCO on Easter Sunday, and an ATM was stolen from the store in recent weeks.
The security guards reportedly work for a private firm called "Pennsylvania State Agents," which is not affiliated with the Commonwealth in any official capacity.
On Instagram, PSA owner Andre Boyer wrote that Philadelphia crime makes his service a necessity for business owners.
"Citizens now realize Philadelphia law enforcement and City Council leaders as well as the Mayor’s office just don’t have a clue or the answers to combat this growing ticking bomb," he said, referring to "shootings and homicides" in what he called "Killadelphia."
Boyer was a 17-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department but was fired in 2013 over "credibility concerns," WHYY has reported.
Boyer has called himself a "whistle-blower" and said he was fired for airing the department's "dirty laundry" to "bring the truth to light," according to the outlet.
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