SIB Staff

TSB SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS 06/20 – 06/27, 2024

06/27

Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Knife, Robbery – Suspect Outstanding
TSB Deputies responded to Florence Metro Passenger Station regarding a robbery call for service. Deputies contacted an adult male (Victim) who stated he was exiting the train when an adult male (Suspect) forcefully pulled him from behind and demanded money. A physical altercation occurred on the platform. The suspect stabbed the victim several times during the attack and took the victim’s phone. The suspect fled the location. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition pending further medical evaluation. The victim’s cell phone was located on the platform where the incident occurred and was returned to the victim.

06/26

Domestic Assault – Suspect Arrested
TSB Deputies responded to the Santa Monica Metro Passenger Station regarding a family disturbance call for service. Deputies contacted an adult male (Victim) who stated he was involved in a verbal altercation with an adult female (his ex-girlfriend, Suspect). The victim attempted to walk away from the suspect, but the suspect threw an empty glass bottle of tequila toward him which struck him in his back. The suspect was arrested without incident. The victim was medically treated in the field and refused transportation to a local hospital.

06/25

Drug Sales – Suspects Arrested
TSB Deputies assigned to the North Special Assignment Unit (SAU) were conducting a crime suppression operation at the Lake Metro Passenger Station. During the operation, deputies assigned to the Rail Operation Center (ROC) monitoring the passenger station via remote CCTV cameras observed three individuals conducting a hand-to-hand drug transaction in front of the east side elevators on Lake Avenue. Deputies responded to the location and contacted an adult female (Suspect). As the deputies attempted to handcuff the suspect, she pulled away from them and a use of force occurred. The suspect was transported to a local hospital but was not injured during the incident. The other two suspects were arrested without incident.

06/24

Bus Versus Vehicle Collision
TSB Deputies responded to the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and San Pedro Street in the unincorporated area of Compton regarding a Metro bus versus vehicle traffic collision. The Metro bus was traveling eastbound on Rosecrans Avenue in the #3 lane when it collided with a gray sedan traveling northbound on San Pedro Street. There were no occupants on the bus. The bus operator was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries pending further medical evaluation. The occupants of the vehicle, 3 adult females and 1 juvenile male, were transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The juvenile occupant was declared deceased upon arrival. Officers from the California Highway Patrol responded to the incident and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

Robbery/Assault – Suspects Outstanding
TSB Deputies responded to Willowbrook Metro Passenger Station regarding a robbery call for service. Deputies contacted an adult male (Victim) who stated he was standing on the platform when he was approached by three adult males (Suspects) who forcefully pulled his phone from his hand. The victim chased after the suspects in an attempt to retrieve his phone. The suspects began to physically assault the victim. The suspects fled the location. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition pending further medical evaluation.

06/21

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
TSB Deputies were conducting a platform check at Crenshaw Metro Passenger Station and were flagged down by an adult male (Victim) who stated an adult male (Suspect) who assaulted him on May 31, 2024 in Culver City was nearby. The incident occurred on May 31, 2024, and a report was authored by Culver City PD. The TSB deputies located and arrested the suspect without incident, and transported him to Culver City PD for booking. Spousal Assault – Suspect Outstanding TSB Deputies responded to Long Beach Metro Passenger Station regarding an assault call for service. Deputies contacted an adult female (Victim) who stated she and her boyfriend (Suspect) were arguing. The argument turned violent when the suspect began to punch the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The suspect fled the location. Based on the location of the incident, the California Highway Patrol was notified and provided a courtesy report.

The TSB Weekly Update is not a complete list of all incidents, arrests, or events that occurred. The details contained within each incident description are preliminary information only and are not meant to replace those of a full investigation. For inquiries please contact the TSB PIO, Deputy Kari Mercer

10/05

TSB Participates in the 2023 Great California Shakeout
TSB Detectives coordinated earthquake response training with Metrolink and manned the TSB Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at the Irwindale Substation. TSB deputy personnel responded to a call that was dispatched to all TSB units to conduct a critical facility safety check of identified facilities within their reporting districts. After conducting a check, TSB deputies reported their findings back to the EOC.

TSB Personnel Collect, Donate Gently-Used Professional Business Attire for Women Transitioning From the Military
TSB Personnel collected nearly 200 pounds of new and gently used professional business wear, shoes, new makeup, jewelry, and purses to the American Legion as part of the Battle Boutique campaign, which helps women currently serving in the US military transition into the civilian workplace.

10/04

Attempted Robbery (Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to Whittier Boulevard and Ford Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles regarding a panic alarm – possible robbery call for service. They contacted the bus operator (Victim) who stated he was approached by a male adult (Suspect) while he was driving the bus. The suspect began to yell and demanded money from the victim.

The victim was fearful he would be harmed if he did not comply with the suspect’s demands. The victim began reaching for his wallet and told the suspect he had no money. The suspect exited the bus and started walking in an unknown direction. The bus operator stated he was not injured during this incident.

Employee Commendation
A Metro patron called the TSB Watch Commander and wanted to thank the deputies who rode with her on the train on the C/Green Line and for providing her with a safe riding experience. She further stated she felt safe and appreciated the deputy’s presence on the train. The deputies were presented with a written commendation.

10/02

Robbery (Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to a local hospital regarding a robbery report call for service. They contacted the victim who was being treated by the medical staff for her injuries. The victim stated that as she crossed the A-Line pedestrian train tracks grade crossing and walked through the metal gates toward Willowbrook Avenue, an unknown male adult (Suspect) approached her and grabbed her purse. The victim resisted the suspect’s efforts to take her purse and held onto the purse. The suspect then punched the victim and pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground on her back. The suspect took approximately $10 in US currency and ran toward the train station and
out of view. The victim walked to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries.

A/Blue-Line Crime Suppression Operation
The Special Assignment Unit (SAU) and Commuter Enhancement Unit (CET) conducted extra patrol on the A-Line. Uniformed deputies rode trains and patrolled passenger stations. Appropriate law enforcement action was taken for suspects who committed any crime on metro trains or property.

09/30

Train Versus Pedestrian
The LASD TSB Desk received a call from A-Line control regarding a train versus pedestrian at the 92nd Street/ Graham Avenue in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles grade crossing. The northbound train struck a female at the location. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased and a bus bridge was initiated.

Bus Versus Vehicle
A Metro Bus was traveling northbound on Atlantic Boulevard at Garvey Avenue in the City of Monterey Park when it struck a vehicle in the intersection. The bus proceeded northbound through the intersection when a Toyota Matrix moved into the intersection without stopping. The bus struck the Toyota. There were no traffic safety signals operating at the time of the accident due to Southern California Edison performing maintenance in the area. No parties reported injuries and Monterey Park PD responded to take a traffic collision report.

09/29

Assault on a Bus Operator (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to a battery just occurred call for service. Deputies contacted the bus operator (Victim), who told him he was assaulted by a passenger (Suspect) at a stop at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Ford Boulevard in the City of East Los Angeles. The suspect boarded the bus and began to talk to the bus operator. The suspect reached into his pocket, removed an object, and concealed it in his hand. The suspect yelled, “I’m going to shank you.” The suspect reached around the plexiglass barrier and hit the bus operator in the neck with a closed fist. The suspect lunged at the bus operator again but missed. The bus operator pushed the suspect off the bus and quickly closed the door. Deputy personnel located the suspect and arrested him without incident. The bus operator was not injured during this incident.

The TSB Weekly Update is not a complete list of all incidents, arrests, or events that occurred. The details contained within each incident description are preliminary information only and are not meant to replace those of a full investigation. For inquiries please contact the TSB PIO, Deputy Kari Mercer.

09/29

TSB Staff Attend LAPD National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Union Station
TSB staff attended the Los Angeles Police Department – Transit Services Division community event at Union Station celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. TSB presented a booth with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and TSB information and goodies and continued to build a collaborative relationship with our LAPD counterparts.

09/28

Public Safety Efforts
TSB Captain Shawn Kehoe and Metro Chief of Safety Gina Osborn attended the Downtown Santa Monica Inc. monthly board meeting to address safety and security efforts on the Metro Expo Line. Highlighted was Metro and TSB’s multi-layered approach with specialized teams and fixed posts, Transit Mental Evaluation Team (TMET) outreach, and collaborative efforts with the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Police Department. Board members noted an improvement in safety since the implementation of the existing deployment model.

Train Versus Vehicle Collision, Minor Injuries
TSB Deputies responded to a train versus vehicle traffic collision at the California Boulevard grade crossing in the City of Pasadena. The vehicle entered the intersection and collided with the train. The driver of the vehicle was extracted and transported to a local hospital in stable condition pending further medical evaluation. The train operator was also transported to a local hospital in stable condition pending further medical evaluation. A bus bridge was established between Fillmore and Del Mar Passenger Stations until the investigation was complete.

Assault on a Bus Operator (Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to the intersection of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue in the City of Santa Monica regarding an assault call for service. Upon the arrival of deputy personnel, the bus operator (Victim) was being medically treated by a local fire department. The victim stated while he was stopped at the location, bus patrons were exiting and entering the bus. A male adult (Suspect) reentered the bus and spat in the face of the victim without warning or provocation. The suspect exited the bus and left the location southbound on 5th Street and out of view. The victim was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment.

09/27

TSB Conducts Two Presentations to Transportation Safety Administration Advisory Peer Group and APTA Transit Law Enforcement Group
TSB Lieutenant Darland met with over 200 members of the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) Peer Advisory Group (PAG), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and members of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Public Transit Policing and Transit Industry Security via teleconference. Lt. Darland presented information regarding the specialized units at Transit Services Bureau (TSB). TSB will continue to participate in future PAG meetings to build collaborative relationships with other transit law enforcement agencies.

TSB Special Assignment Unit Participates in Emergency Response Demonstrations at SoFi Stadium
Members of TSB’s Special Assignment Unit (SAU) demonstrated emergency responses to scenarios involving active shooter and hostage situations during a training exercise at SoFi Stadium. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – ISTEP (Intermodal Security Training & Exercise Program) hosted the demonstration. Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) personnel also monitored our response during the exercise.

Parole VeriTracks Training at STARS Center
TSB Detective Bureau and TSB Deputies attended VeriTracks training through the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR). VeriTracks is an investigative tool that allows law enforcement personnel access to review historical location data for parolees wearing an ankle monitor which could tie paroled individuals to crimes on the Metro system.

TSB ROC Station Dispatch Desk “NG911” Inspection Completed
An inspection of the TSB Dispatch Desk 911 phone system was conducted by the Communications and Fleet Management Bureau (CFMB) and CA State representatives. The desk passed all mandatory requirements.

09/26

TSB Deputies Provide Security for Metro Staff, Santa Monica Fire Department During Train Fire Exercise
TSB Deputies assisted Metro and the Santa Monica Fire Department with an annual train fire exercise at the 4th Street Metro Passenger Station. The exercise was intended to test the response of Metro staff and local fire departments to a fire involving a train.

09/25

Crime Suppression Operation Continues on Blue/A-Line
The Special Assignment Unit (SAU) along with the Commuter Enhancement Unit (CET) continue to conduct extra patrol on the A-Line. Uniformed TSB Deputies ride trains and patrol Metro passenger stations. Appropriate law enforcement action is taken for suspects who commit any crime on Metro trains or property.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Knife/Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to the intersection of Century Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard in the City of Inglewood regarding an assault with a deadly weapon call for service. They contacted a male (Victim) who stated he was riding the bus when he observed a male adult (Suspect) disciplining his children. The victim began to engage the suspect when the suspect stood up and punched the victim in the face while holding a knife in his hand. The suspect exited the rear of the bus and began to walk with his children southbound on Crenshaw Boulevard and out of view. The victim was treated at the scene and was not transported to the hospital.

09/24

Spousal Battery (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to Willowbrook Metro Passenger Station and contacted a female (Victim), who said she was involved in an argument with her boyfriend while riding the train. The argument escalated and her boyfriend (Suspect) punched her. The suspect also struck her once with his cell phone. When the train stopped at Willowbrook Metro Passenger Station, the suspect fled westbound
toward the bus layover area where he was located, detained, and arrested without incident. The
victim refused medical treatment.

Assault (Suspects Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to the 4th Street Metro Passenger Station in the City of Santa Monica regarding an assault call for service. The deputies contacted a female adult (Victim) who said she was assaulted by a male adult and female adult (Suspects) at the 4th Street Metro Passenger Station. The victim was videotaping the area on her phone when the suspects saw her and asked her not to tape them. The victim continued to video the area and was attacked by the suspects. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition pending further medical evaluation. The suspects fled the location in an unknown direction.

Battery (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to the Norwalk Metro bus layover regarding an assault with a deadly weapon call for service. The deputies contacted a female (Victim) who said she was waiting at the bus bay when a male (Suspect) approached her and without provocation, began choking her from behind, causing her to nearly lose consciousness. The suspect was located, detained, and arrested without incident. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition pending further medical evaluation.

09/23

Assault Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to the Del Amo Metro Passenger Station regarding a possible kidnapping call for service. Deputies contacted a male (Victim) who stated he had been assaulted. The victim said his son was taken by the child’s biological mother during a custody exchange at the location. During the exchange, the mother’s new boyfriend (Suspect) attacked the victim (the child’s father). The victim lost consciousness and awoke to the mother, child, and suspect gone. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Deputies located, detained, and arrested the suspect without incident.

09/22

Narcan Administered, CPR Performed
TSB Deputies received a call of a person not breathing and CPR in progress at the Irwindale Metro Passenger Station. Deputies arrived within seconds and assumed CPR pending the arrival of the local fire department. Narcan was administered to the patient who was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

The TSB Weekly Update is not a complete list of all incidents, arrests, or events that occurred. The details contained within each incident description are preliminary information only and are not meant to replace those of a full investigation. For inquiries please contact the TSB PIO, Deputy Kari Mercer.

09/21

Assault (Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies received an assault call for service on a bus and responded to the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and Lennox Boulevard in Lennox. Deputies contacted the victim, who stated while inside the bus, he became involved in a physical altercation with an unknown adult black male (Suspect). During the altercation, the suspect struck the victim numerous times over the head and face. The victim refused to be transported for medical examination. The suspect fled on foot from the location and out of view.

Case Closed – Harassment, Road Rage Suspect Identified
Arrested At the beginning of September, it was brought to TSB’s attention that a Metro bus operator had been victimized while conducting his duties in the City of Alhambra by a male adult (Suspect) driving a Volvo. The suspect harassed the bus operator by driving recklessly in pursuit of the bus in the area of Main Street and Atlantic Boulevard, which caused the operator to fear for his and his patrons’ safety. The harassment occurred on three different dates, with the most recent incident occurring last week. With the information provided by the bus operator, TSB personnel were able to identify the suspect and an arrest warrant was obtained. On the morning of the 21st, a TSB Detective, Special Assignment Unit – North (SAU-N) Deputies, and TSB line deputies performed a search warrant and successfully arrested the suspect, who was charged with stalking, reckless driving, and delaying Metro operations.

09/20

TSB Assists Metro with Patron Count
TSB units assisted Metro with patron counts on the A-Line, K-Line, and E-Line during the early morning shift. The counts were conducted at Westchester-Veterans Station, Downtown Santa Monica, APU/Citrus Station, Atlantic Station, Norwalk Station, and Marine Station.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Knife/Domestic Violence (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to Hawthorne Metro Passenger Station regarding a “person with a knife” call for service. The call stated a male (Victim) and female (Suspect) were arguing and the female was holding a hatchet. Deputies contacted the victim who stated he and the suspect were in a dating relationship and were arguing. The argument turned violent when the suspect produced a hatchet from her backpack and assaulted the victim by striking him in the back of the neck. Fire arrived and treated the victim for non-life-threatening injuries. The deputies located the suspect and arrested her without incident.

Case Closed – Robbery Suspect Identified
Arrested On September 11th, a robbery occurred at Firestone Metro Passenger Station. At the time of the incident, the suspect was unidentified and fled the location before deputy personnel arrived on scene. Through diligent work and use of department resources, TSB Detectives were able to successfully identify the suspect and obtained a Ramey Warrant for his arrest on September 15th. On September 20th, a TSB detective, members of the Special Assignment Team – North (SAU-N), and TSB deputies collaborated with LA County Probation Officers to safely apprehend the suspect in front of the Compton Court House. He was arrested without incident.

Coffee with the Captain Event Held
Captain Kehoe and TSB personnel held a “Coffee with the Captain” event at the 4th Street Metro Passenger Station. The purpose of the event was to conduct a meet and greet with the TSB Unit Commander and provide Metro patrons and the community of Santa Monica with the opportunity to engage and interact with law enforcement personnel assigned to TSB including K9, the Special Assignment Unit (SAU), the Commuter Enhancement Team (CET), Transit Mental Evaluation Team (TMET), Team Leaders, and line personnel. Metro Executive Robert Gummer and Carlos Rico, owners of local businesses, residents of Santa Monica, Metro patrons, Metro staff, the Santa Monica Fire Department, the Santa Monica Police Department, and our Long Beach Police Department transit services counterparts were present. Over 200 cups of coffee were served during the three-hour event and questions and comments were addressed regarding major concerns of Metro-related crime and homelessness.

Captain Kehoe received positive comments on TSB’s deployments to the 4th Street Metro Passenger Station as a fixed post with many community members stating they have seen a positive change since TSB’s implementation and appreciated the opportunity to visit with us at the event. As a result of the successful turnout of the event, TSB will host additional “Coffee with the Captain” and “Coffee with a Deputy” events at strategic Metro locations to continue to engage the communities we serve.

09/18

A-Line Crime Suppression Operation
The Special Assignment Unit (SAU) along with the Commuter Enhancement Unit (CET) continued the A-Line crime Suppression Operation. The specialized units conduct extra patrol on the A-Line. Uniformed deputies ride trains and patrol passenger stations. Appropriate law enforcement action is taken for suspects who commit any crime on metro trains or property.

Sexual Assault (Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to a local hospital regarding a sexual assault call for service. They contacted a female adult (Victim) who stated she was sexually assaulted on 09/17/23 at approximately 1700 hours. The victim, who is unhoused, stated she was on the mezzanine level of Willowbrook Station and was speaking to an unknown male (Suspect). As she declined further conversation, the suspect approached her from behind and began to sexually assault her. The suspect left the location and out of view. The victim stayed at the location and went to the hospital in the morning.

09/15

Vandalism (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies were conducting a foot patrol check of the APU/Citrus Parking structure in Azusa when they observed Metro Security personnel speaking to a male adult (Suspect) on the platform. Metro security told the suspect he was not allowed to enter the train because he had not paid the fare. The suspect began arguing with Metro security and then walked into the parking structure. Once out of view, the deputies heard a loud sound and glass breaking coming from the inside of the parking structure. Upon investigation, they saw the suspect smashing and breaking the passenger-side window of a parked vehicle. The suspect was arrested for felony vandalism.

The TSB Weekly Update is not a complete list of all incidents, arrests, or events that occurred. The details contained within each incident description are preliminary information only and are not meant to replace those of a full investigation. For inquiries please contact the TSB PIO, Deputy Kari Mercer.

09/20

UPCOMING EVENT: TSB COFFEE WITH THE SHERIFF
Between 7 AM and 10 AM, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna will attend a “Coffee with the Sheriff” event at the 4th Street Metro Passenger Station in Santa Monica. Additional Sheriff’s Department personnel and TSB specialized units will be present to continue to build a positive community relationship with the City of Santa Monica and Metro ridership on the Expo Line.

09/14

IRWINDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VISITS TSB IRWINDALE SUBSTATION
Members of the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce and city residents visited the TSB Irwindale substation as part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. They provided 40 hot lunches from Stonefire Grill and gift bags and presented certificates of recognition from 48th District Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, 1st District Supervisor Hilda Solis, and Irwindale Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz, as well as thank you cards handwritten by students from Nogales High School.

SEXUAL ASSAULT (SUSPECT OUTSTANDING)
TSB Deputies responded to a local hospital regarding a sexual assault. The deputies contacted the victim who stated he was dropped off at Long Beach Metro Passenger Station at approximately 0300 hours. While he was in the elevator, he was approached by a male adult (Suspect), and they engaged in conversation. The suspect stopped the elevator and the victim started to use his phone to call for help since he felt something was wrong. The suspect grabbed the phone out of his hands to prevent him from calling. The suspect forced the victim to engage in sexual acts against his will. The suspect exited the elevator and boarded a train in an unknown direction. After a few minutes, the victim boarded a train, exited at Willowbrook Station, and walked home.

09/11

A-LINE CRIME SUPPRESSION OPERATION
The Special Assignment Unit (SAU) with the Commuter Enhancement Unit (CET) will continue to conduct extra patrol on the A-Line. Uniformed deputies will ride trains and patrol passenger stations. Appropriate law enforcement action will be taken for suspects who commit any crime on Metro trains or property.

ASSAULT AND ROBBERY (1 SUSPECT ARRESTED, 1 OUTSTANDING)
TSB deputies were flagged down at El Monte Metro Bus Terminal and spoke with a male (victim) who informed them he was the victim of an assault and robbery by two male blacks. Simultaneously, TSB Deputies responded to a local hospital regarding a possible assault report call for service. A patient at the hospital said he was assaulted and pepper sprayed at the El Monte Terminal by another male. Upon furtherance of their investigation, deputies determined the two calls were related.

The robbery victim said he pepper sprayed one of the suspects during the robbery, but the second suspect rode away in an unknown direction on a bicycle with the victim’s bag. The patient (suspect) at the hospital was positively identified by the victim and arrested for robbery and assault. The second suspect was not located and remains outstanding.

09/10

SPOUSAL BATTERY (SUSPECT ARRESTED)
TSB Deputies received a call for service at Firestone Metro Passenger Station regarding a possible spousal battery that occurred on a Metro train. Upon arrival, deputies contacted a female (Victim), a witness, and a male (Suspect). After their investigation, deputies arrested the suspect for spousal battery. The victim refused medical treatment.

09/11

ARMED ROBBERY (SUSPECT OUTSTANDING)
TSB Deputies were dispatched to the Long Beach Metro Passenger Station regarding an armed robbery call for service. Units arrived and contacted a female adult victim who said she was robbed by two male Hispanic adults armed with pistols. The victim and suspects exited the train onto the platform where the suspects demanded the victim’s cash. The victim said the suspects took $5 from her and fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The victim was transported to a local hospital after complaining of chest pains.

The TSB Weekly Update is not a complete list of all incidents, arrests, or events that occurred. The details contained within each incident description are preliminary information only and are not meant to replace those of a full investigation. For inquiries please contact the TSB PIO, Deputy Kari Mercer.