Statement on August 21 Arrest

Over the past week, a video has circulated on social media which shows a portion of an encounter from August 21 between a Metro Transit police officer and transit rider. The video was recorded by a bystander and captures a small part of a larger incident, which began aboard a Metro Transit bus and resulted in the arrest of the transit rider. 

While the investigation into this incident continues, there are preliminary facts we have been able to gather that give a more complete picture of what took place leading up to the arrest.

At about 7:30 a.m. a woman boarded a bus and began a verbal altercation with the bus operator, seemingly regarding the operation of a bus near a stop. As the rider turned to go to her seat, she directed a profane, derogatory comment at the bus operator. Metro Transit’s adopted Code of Conduct states that using profanity or derogatory statements is not tolerated on buses or trains. Use of this language can get riders removed from the bus and riding privileges canceled for 30 days. The operator, feeling unsafe, called for police assistance, as operators are trained to do. 

When Metro Transit Sgt. Tim Lawrence responded to the call, he worked to deescalate the incident, asking the rider to get off and take another bus. When she refused, he told her that they would have to get off the bus and discuss what had taken place. The rider again refused and walked to the rear of the bus. Ultimately, Sgt. Lawrence was able to convince the rider to de-board. As she left the bus, the rider shouted at the operator, again using profane and derogatory language.

As the rider continued the behavior, Sgt. Lawrence continued attempts to deescalate the situation, asking the rider to take the next bus. However, his attempts were unsuccessful and he initiated an arrest of the rider, asking for her identification. The rider produced her identification from her purse, but then refused to give it to Sgt. Lawrence, instead wrapping her arm around a bus shelter post. Eventually, Sgt. Lawrence, with the help of another Metro Transit police officer, took the rider to the ground so she could be handcuffed and arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct. Despite some claims that officers used a Taser during this incident, at this point information shows that no Taser was discharged.

“At Metro Transit, we take seriously the safety of our riders, our operators and our police officers, which is why we immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of this incident,” said Metro Transit Police Chief John Harrington. “That investigation continues. We are committed to the respect of riders, operators and all employees and are looking forward to the investigation’s completion.”

“Metro Transit operators have thousands of interactions with riders without incident on a daily basis,” said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb. “On rare instances, when operators feel threatened, they depend on effective and timely police response. According to the operator who made the call for help in this instance, that is exactly what she received.”

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