Gas Station Owner Hired Heavily Armed Guards To Fend Off Criminals. He Says It’s Working

A Philadelphia gas station owner hired heavily armed guards to fend off criminals amid a dangerous rise in crime, according to a report.

Neil Patel hired Pennsylvania S.I.T.E Agents armed with AR-15’s and shotguns to stand outside his Karco gas station at Broad and Clearfield streets in Northern Philadelphia, according to Fox 5 NY.

“They are forcing us to hire the security, high-level security, state level,” Patel told Fox 29. “We are tired of this nonsense; robbery, drug trafficking, hanging around gangs.”

A North Philly owner says he’s had enough violent crime at his gas station so he’s hired these guys to protect his customers and store.

Does this make you feel safer? Or uncomfortable. pic.twitter.com/ZOXvUxTvyW

— Jason Martinez (@JasonFox29) December 6, 2022

Patel said a group of young kids vandalized his gas station and stole his ATM machine, prompting him to hire private security as a last ditch effort to stave off criminals. Patel said locals have been slightly concerned about the armed security. (RELATED: Philadelphia Readies Curfew To Protect Children From Violent Crime Surge)

“I listen to them, but according to some people, violent people, they carry the guns, they’re not afraid of them? This is the protection for the neighborhood and the customers,” Patel reportedly said, adding his business has not seen any more crime since he hired the security.

Chief Andre Boyer said his team is well trained to do the job, according to Fox 5.

“We wear Kevlar, we are trained, my guards go to training every other week, they’re proficient with [their guns] and with their taser, they know the law.”