MARTA Still Searching for Attackers of Two Delta Employees on Train

MARTA police are still searching for the suspects in an attack earlier this week of two Delta Airline employees on their way to work at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, according to a recent MARTA news release on the incident.

According to the release and a report in Friday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, MARTA is still trying to determine whether members of a gang called B. F. P. L., or Bank First, Pay Later, were involved.

The attack on the employees occurred very early Sunday morning after some 30 youths boarded the southbound train at the Garnett Station, at 225 Peachtree St., and began attacking the two passengers.

One victim had a soda can smashed in his face and his wallet stolen, while the other was punched repeatedly in his face, according to the MARTA incident report.  A witness said the group chanted "B.F.P.L." during the attack.

The youths departed the train two stops later at the Oakland City Station, 1400 Lee St.

MARTA officials say they are investigating leads and have identified people of interest.

"The main thing is that we are trying to make an arrest as soon as possible," said MARTA spokesman Lyle Harris. "Despite the attack, safety is a top priority for MARTA."

Harris said MARTA has seen a decrease in crime in recent years and that the attack is an isolated incident. "This was a very isolated incident," Harris said. "MARTA is a safe system and we will continue to upgrade and enhance our security."

To report information about the incident or B.F.P.I. e-mail martapolice@itsmarta.com or call 404-848-4900. To report a MARTA emergency, dial 404-848-4911 or #MPD on AT&T (formerly Cingular), Verizon, or Sprint Nextel cell phones (Blackberry users dial #673).