08/31

Special Teams Saturation Patrol to Begin
The TSB Special Assignment Unit (SAU) along with the Commuter Enhancement Team (CET) will begin conducting extra patrol on the Blue/A-Line. Uniformed deputies will ride trains and patrol Metro passenger stations. Appropriate law enforcement action will take place for suspects who commit any crime on Metro trains or property.

Strong-Arm Robbery (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies contacted a female adult (Victim) at Canon Road and Santa Monica Boulevard in the City of Santa Monica. The victim said she was riding on a Metro bus when a female adult (Suspect) approached her, forcibly took the victim’s cell phone, and broke the victim’s nail during the struggle. The suspect exited the train and fled on foot. TSB Deputies located and arrested the suspect. The victim’s cell phone was recovered and returned to the victim.

08/29

Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Knife / Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to the Rosa Parks bus layover regarding a rescue/possible assault with a deadly weapon call for service. The deputies contacted a female adult (Victim 1), who stated a male adult (Suspect) began to yell at her to get out of the way. The suspect produced a machete and swung it at her. Victim 1 attempted to defend herself with her right hand, but the machete made contact with her right ring finger. She refused medical treatment. The suspect fled the location and attacked another male adult (Victim 2) at 119th Street/Wilmington Avenue. The suspect swung the machete at Victim 2, hitting him on the right forearm, right ring finger, and left arm between the shoulder and elbow. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition, pending further examination. TSB deputies located the suspect and arrested him without incident.

Robbery (Suspects Outstanding)
TSB Deputies were flagged down at Willowbrook Metro Passenger Station by a male adult (Victim) who stated he had been assaulted and robbed. The Victim stated while he was waiting for the train on the platform, he was approached by two male adults (Suspect 1 and Suspect 2). Suspect 1 grabbed his gold chain necklace from around his neck. The Victim began to fight back and struggled with both suspects. The suspects pushed the victim onto the tracks and fled the location with the gold chain. Suspect 1 used the elevator and Suspect 2 used the stairs to leave the location and went out of view. The Victim suffered injuries to his face but refused medical treatment.

08/26

De-Escalation Training Held for Foothill Transit Bus Operators
Transit Mental Evaluation Team (TMET) Deputies provided several Foothill Transit operators with de-escalation training that covered a variety of mental health topics. The purpose of the training was to provide Foothill Transit operators with the opportunity to learn about the challenges of encountering individuals experiencing mental health crises on Foothill Transit buses, how to deescalate any issues, and who to contact in a classroom setting. Due to the success of the course, TMET Deputies will continue the training and offer it to an additional 600 contracted Foothill Transit personnel with the intent to offer it to Metro train and bus operators in the near future. Currently, Foothill Transit contracts with TSB to provide safety and security to bus operators and patrons, as well as provide high-visibility security at the Pomona Transit Center.

08/25

Homicide Investigation (Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to a trash fire call for service at the Long Beach Metro Passenger Station. Upon arrival, deputies extinguished the fire and discovered human remains. LASD Homicide was contacted, responded to the location, and assumed control of the investigation.

Criminal Threats & Delaying Operations (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to the intersection of Greenstone Avenue and Rosecrans Avenue in the City of Norwalk to a disturbance call for service on a bus. Upon arrival, the bus operator (victim) stated a male suspect threatened to kill him. The suspect fled the location but was located by TSB deputies and arrested.

Submit a tip and stay anonymous. download the tips mobile app. lacrimestoppers.org. 800-222-8477.

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.

08/14 – 08/18

WEEK-LONG MIDNIGHT OPERATION CONDUCTED ON NORTH A-LINE
TSB specialized units – the Special Assignment Unit (SAU) and Transit Mental Evaluation Team (TMET) – collaborated with the North Blue/A-Line Team Leader, TSB field units, and Metro Security to provide an additional layer of security and outreach for a week-long, early-morning operation conducted at Arcadia and Citrus/APU Metro platforms. The purpose of the operation
was to prevent end-point-to-end-point Metro riders without valid fare from using Metro property as shelter at the conclusion of train sweeps and offering outreach resources to riders who are experiencing homelessness. The intent of the operation was to reduce crime occurring in the early morning hours as well as preserve Metro property. Arcadia Metro Station was identified as a location for TSB deputies and Metro security to board trains, contact riders, validate fare, and conduct outreach for those in need of social services prior to Metro service ending at Citrus/APU. The operation was effective at reducing the number of individuals experiencing homelessness off-loading during end-of-service train sweep operations. 126 individuals were off-loaded at Citrus/APU platform on the first night. The following night 73 individuals were off-loaded, followed by 51 on the third night, 49 on the fourth night, and 32 on the final night, which was an overall dramatic reduction in off-loading numbers from the start of the operation.

08/24

ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON (SUSPECT ARRESTED)
TSB Deputies responded to Willowbrook Metro Bus Station regarding an assault call for service. The suspect stabbed a Metro patron in bus bay 19. A search was conducted by deputies for the suspect in the area. A TSB Unit located the suspect a short distance from the location where the assault occurred. The suspect was detained and arrested. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition pending further examination.

TSB RECOGNIZED AT 999 FOR KIDS ICE CREAM SOCIAL
TSB Captain Kehoe and Lieutenant Garcia accepted a plaque on behalf of TSB for our successful efforts to raise funds for 999 for Kids. 999 for Kids is a special program. The funds we raised go toward children in Los Angeles County who have experienced severe child abuse, neglect, and family violence. The program, which is overseen by the Sheriffs’ Relief Foundation, is organized through LASD’s Special Victims Bureau and supported by donations, helps families obtain specialized medical equipment and attend events like summer camps which these children might not be able to participate in otherwise.

08/23

VEHICLE BURGLARY (SUSPECT ARRESTED)
TSB Deputies assigned to a fixed post at Azusa Passenger Station observed and detained a male adult (suspect) who was rummaging through a parked vehicle in the parking lot. While being detained, the suspect admitted to breaking into the vehicle and taking miscellaneous items from inside the vehicle.

08/22

ASSAULT (SUSPECT ARRESTED)
TSB Deputies responded to Rosa Parks Metro Bus layover regarding an assault call for service. They contacted a bus patron (Victim 1) and Metro bus operator (Victim 2) who stated they were assaulted by a female adult (Suspect) with a metal license plate. The suspect was on board the bus with Victim 1 when without any provocation, approached the victim and began to hit him on his right forearm/hand area. The suspect exited the bus and boarded another bus. The bus operator on the
awaiting bus was hit with the license plate on the right arm/wrist area. The suspect exited the bus and started to walk away. The responding deputies located and arrested the suspect.

ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON (SUSPECT OUTSTANDING)
TSB Deputies responded to Crenshaw Metro Passenger Station regarding an assault with a deadly weapon call for service. Upon the deputies’ arrival, they contacted the victim who told them he was in a verbal altercation with an unidentified male. The suspect became angry. He shot the victim in the face with a pellet gun and punched him. The victim exited the train and requested help. The suspect continued eastbound on the train. The victim refused medical treatment.

08/21

CRIMINAL THREATS/INDECENT EXPOSURE (SUSPECT OUTSTANDING)
TSB Deputies responded to Arcadia Passenger Station regarding a robbery report call for service. They contacted the victim who stated an unknown male (Suspect) approached the victim while she was waiting for the train. The suspect stood beside the victim, exposed himself, and began to fondle himself. The victim began to walk away but the suspect stood in her path and extended his arms, which prevented her from leaving. The suspect threatened to kill the victim if she called anyone. The victim called 911 and the suspect boarded an unknown westbound train.

SAFE SCHOOLS COMMUTER PROGRAM (SSCP) IMPLEMENTED
TSB Deputies assigned to patrol Duarte and Allen Metro Stations began to provide high visibility on Metro platforms identified as high-volume regarding student ridership to ensure that students experience a safe and secure commute to and from school during the morning and afternoon hours that students typically commute. Last year, TSB initiated the SSCP on the Gold Line in response to complaints from parents and students about safety and security. Between high visibility, fixed posts during student commuter hours, and the help of Special Assignment Unit (SAU) Deputies who contacted schools and provided in-depth and hands-on education, the program was successful and welcomed by the students, parents, schools, and communities. Due to the success of the program on the north side, TSB is working quickly to implement it on the south side.

08/19

ROBBERY (SUSPECT OUTSTANDING)
TSB Deputies responded to Downtown Santa Monica Passenger Station regarding a theft call for service. Deputies contacted a female adult (victim) who said she was sitting in a train car that was pulling into the Downtown Santa Monica Passenger Station. She was using her cell phone when an unknown male (suspect) approached her from behind and pried the cell phone out of her hand. The suspect ran out of the train in an unknown direction.

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.

TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU WEEKLY REPORT - AUG. 11 – AUG. 18, 2023

08/10 (LATE ADDITION)

TSB DEPUTIES ATTEND MASS CASUALTY TRAINING
TSB Deputies were invited to participate in a multi-agency mass casualty training held by LASD’s Emergency Services Division (ESD). Training included responding to a variety of scenarios such as an active shooter. The scenarios were developed to be as realistic as possible and included role players with special effects makeup applied to mimic different injuries. Participants were trained on how to respond to tense, dynamic, and rapidly evolving situations involving large numbers of injured individuals, and how to treat and prepare casualties for medical transport.

08/11

ROBBERY (STRONG ARM / SUSPECTS OUTSTANDING)
TSB deputies responded to the Metro Rail Operations Control (ROC) lobby regarding a robbery report. The deputies contacted a male (victim) who told them he was walking to the mezzanine from the A-Line. The victim encountered four male adults (suspects) who demanded his phone. The victim gave them his phone out of fear of being injured but then attempted to get it back. The
suspects struck the victim in the face and forced him to unlock his phone. The suspects were last seen going up to the C-Line platform in an unknown direction.

08/13

MASS CASUALTY TRAUMA KITS & BALLISTIC BLANKETS OBTAINED
TSB has purchased 3 ballistic blankets, which are designed to protect personnel or Metro patrons in a variety of tactical situations and can easily be thrown over windows or used as a personal shield. The ballistic blankets will be assigned to the Rail Operation Control (ROC), EL Monte, and Irwindale. TSB has also purchased mass casualty trauma kits. A trauma kit will be assigned to each TSB sergeant’s vehicle.

If you have any additional information regarding the above incidents, please contact Transit Services Bureau Detectives at (323) 563-5207. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip by calling 800-222-TIPS or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

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. The TSB Weekly Update is published for public knowledge and transparency at lacsheriff.org/transitservicesbureau. For inquiries please contact the TSB PIO.

TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU WEEKLY REPORT - JULY 14 – 21, 2023

7/21

Grand Theft (Copper Wire / Suspect Arrested)
TSB Detectives observed a person (suspect) stopped in his white pick-up truck along the shoulder of 105 Freeway just west of the 710 Freeway, adjacent to a Metro Power Sub Station. This location has had more than ten recent copper wire thefts in two months. Upon contacting the suspect, the detectives observed approximately 1000 feet of copper wire in the rear bed of the vehicle along with burglary tools. The suspect was detained pending a copper wire theft investigation. The detectives located an open manhole approximately 20 yards away from the vehicle, which is owned by Metro and contains copper wire. More than $30K of copper wire had been stolen from the location.

07/20

Battery (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to Santa Monica Passenger Station regarding a battery call for service. A Metro security guard (victim) was assaulted and detained the suspect. The suspect proceeded to push through the turnstiles and bumped the victim’s left shoulder. The victim said the suspect swung twice at him and missed. The suspect was placed under Private Persons Citizen’s Arrest by the victim.

Attempt Robbery (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to Citrus Passenger Station regarding a possible assault with a deadly weapon call for service. Upon arrival, the deputies were contacted by Metro Security regarding an assault with a deadly weapon that occurred on the train. The deputies contacted a female adult (Victim) who stated she boarded the train at the Azusa Passenger Station and was traveling to Citrus Passenger Station. A female adult (Suspect) approached her and attempted to forcibly take the victim’s fanny pack. The suspect was detained and arrested.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon (Knife / Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to Irwindale Passenger Station regarding a person with a knife / possible assault with a deadly weapon call for service. The deputies contacted a female adult (victim) who stated she boarded the train at Azusa Passenger Station and was threatened with a knife by a female adult (suspect) in a wheelchair. As the victim walked past the suspect who was blocking the pathway, the suspect became irate and began to yell expletives at the victim. The suspect produced an approximately 10-inch knife and threatened the victim with it. Deputies coordinated with responding units to locate the suspect, who was arrested without incident.

Elder Abuse (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies were conducting a patrol check of the Willowbrook Passenger Station when they heard a commotion on the platform. They observed a male adult (suspect) fighting with an elderly (71 years old) male adult (victim). Upon seeing the deputies, the suspect fled on foot and boarded a Metro bus. The suspect was located and arrested without incident.

Felony Vandalism (Elevator Glass / Suspect(s) Outstanding)
TSB Deputies were conducting a patrol check of Hawthorne Passenger Station when they observed the glass in the west elevator shattered. It is unknown when the incident took place; deputies verified with Metro this incident had not been reported. A video request was completed to attempt to locate the suspect(s). The damage is estimated to be approximately four thousand dollars.

Burglary (Elevator Control Room / Suspect(s) Outstanding)
While conducting a patrol check of Hawthorne Passenger Station, TSB Deputies observed a broken door handle on the elevator control room door. Upon further investigation, the deputies also observed the alarm system in the room to be tampered with. It is unknown when this incident took place and has been verified with Metro this incident has not been reported. A video request was completed to attempt to locate the suspect(s). It is unknown if anything is missing from the room.

Assault (Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to the Lakewood Passenger Station. Deputies contacted the victim who said she was traveling on the metro train from Norwalk to Long Beach Blvd. A female Black (suspect) walked up to her. Without any warning or provocation, the suspect pinched the victim’s upper torso and bit the victim twice on top of the head. The victim exited the train at the Lakewood station where the suspect attempted to forcibly take the victim’s walking cane. The suspect left on foot in an unknown direction. The victim sustained several scratches on both arms.

7/19

Battery on a Peace Officer (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to Willowbrook Passenger Station regarding a disturbance call for service. The call stated a black female (suspect) with red hair was disturbing patrons and pinched a bus operator. The deputies safely detained the suspect and walked down toward their patrol vehicle, which was parked directly in front of Willowbrook station. As they walked the suspect toward their vehicle, she resisted by stopping. The suspect sat on the ground and began kicking both deputies. Once assisting units arrived, the suspect was arrested without further incident.

7/16

Battery on a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest, & Driving Under the Influence (Suspect Arrested)
A TSB Deputy was driving southbound on Vermont Avenue at El Segundo Boulevard when he saw a car traveling southbound on Vermont Avenue approximately 100 yards ahead of him at a high rate of speed. By the time the deputy caught up to the driver (suspect), he had parked and was walking away from his vehicle. The deputy contacted the suspect and noticed the suspect’s gait was unsteady and was swaying from side to side. As the deputy placed the suspect’s arms behind his back, the suspect immediately spun to his left, breaking away from the deputy’s grip, and assaulted the deputy by elbowing him on the abdominal area. Two civilian bystanders came to the deputy’s aid. Both bystanders held the suspect down as the deputy placed the suspect’s hands behind his back and handcuffed him without further incident.

07/14

Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Box Cutter / Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to Maravilla Passenger Station regarding a fight onboard a westbound train. Upon arrival, they contacted the victim, who told them he was riding the train and talking to his girlfriend when the suspect, an adult Hispanic male interrupted their conversation. When the victim told him to leave them alone, the suspect became irate, produced a box cutter, and began stabbing the victim. The suspect fled westbound from the location. The victim refused to be transported to a hospital for further medical treatment. TSB Deputies located and arrested the suspect.

If you have any additional information regarding the above incidents, please contact Transit Services Bureau Detectives at (323) 563-5207. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip by calling 800-222-TIPS or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU WEEKLY REPORT JULY 21, 2023 – JULY 28, 2023

07/27/23

Resisting Arrest and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies were conducting patrol checks at Compton Passenger Station. The deputies contacted a male (suspect) and observed him in possession of narcotics paraphernalia. They detained him pending a narcotics investigation.

07/26/2023

Trespassing (Suspect Arrested)
Deputies were conducting patrol checks at Citrus Passenger Station. The deputies contacted a male adult (suspect) who was known from previous contacts as a habitual trespasser. Upon contacting him, he was told to vacate Metro property. The suspect failed to comply and was arrested for trespassing.

7/22/23

Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Knife / Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies responded to Rosecrans Avenue / San Pedro Avenue in the City of Los Angeles regarding an assault with a deadly weapon against a bus operator. The adult Hispanic male (suspect) was detained and arrested. The victim (bus operator) said the suspect refused to exit the bus and stabbed the victim once on the right wrist. The suspect then exited the rear bus door and fled. Deputies located the suspect and arrested him for assault with a deadly weapon. The bus operator was transported to a nearby hospital for a medical evaluation.

If you have any additional information regarding the above incidents, please contact Transit Services Bureau Detectives at (323) 563-5207. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip by calling 800-222-TIPS or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU WEEKLY REPORT July 8 - Aug. 24 2023

08/03

Vandalism (County Property / Suspect Outstanding)
A black male with a thin build, wearing a black hoodie and black pants, and pushing a shopping cart (suspect) approached an LASD/TSB patrol vehicle located at 2000 block of E. Imperial Hwy in the City of Los Angeles . The suspect threw a rock at the patrol vehicle which shattered the rear windshield. The suspect walked out of the camera view in an unknown direction. Deputies searched for the suspect but were unable to locate him.

08/02

Battery on Operator (Suspect Arrested)
A TSB Deputy responded to Valley Boulevard/Rowland Street in the City of El Monte regarding a battery call for service. The call stated a Hispanic male was aboard a bus and was hitting patrons. Before responding deputies’ arrival, the suspect fled the location. As the deputy was interviewing the victims to ascertain the situation, the suspect returned to the location and approached the deputy. The suspect was detained and escorted to a patrol vehicle. The suspect sat down in the patrol vehicle but refused to place his feet inside the vehicle. The suspect became combative, and a use of force occurred. The suspect was arrested without further incident.

08/01

Critical Missing Person Located
At approximately 1720 hours, TSB deputies responded to APU/Citrus Metro Passenger Station regarding a missing person call for service. Deputies arrived and contacted the informant (mother) who told them she was traveling northbound on the A-line with her son (missing person). When they approached the Metro Firestone Passenger Station, she stepped out of the train to discard trash into a trash can on the platform. She saw the train’s doors closing and the train continued its northbound travel. Her son remained on board the train. The informant boarded the next northbound train hoping to locate her son. She remained on the train until it reached the end of the line at the APU/Citrus Passenger Station, where she exited the train and looked for her son but was unable to locate him. She asked the Metro Ambassadors on the platform to assist her. She also informed them her son was eighteen years old but had the mental capacity of a five-year-old. They searched for the missing person on and around the platform but could not locate him. The informant described the missing person to the deputies and several possible destinations. The deputies initiated a broadcast of a missing person, who was at risk. The deputies then directed their partners to conduct checks of all the A-line train platforms and their surrounding area in search of the missing person. TSB Detectives arrived on the scene at the APU/Citrus Passenger Station and took control of the search. At about 2331 hours, the deputies
located the missing person at the APU/Citrus Passenger Station. They escorted him to his mother who happily confirmed that he was her missing son.

Criminal Threats (Axe / Suspect in Custody)
TSB Deputies responded to the Monrovia Metro Passenger Station parking structure regarding possible assault with a deadly weapon call for service. The deputies contacted the victim who stated while he was taking a break in the driver’s seat of his parked vehicle, when he was approached by a male adult (suspect). The suspect, who was unknown and unprovoked, began to yell at the victim and threaten to kill the victim with an axe. The victim was fearful the suspect would carry out his threats and appeared to have the means to do. When deputies arrived, they detained the suspect without incident. The victim positively identified the suspect as the one who threatened him with the axe. The suspect was arrested and transported for booking.

07/31

Train Versus Pedestrian
TSB Deputies responded to 92nd Street/Graham Street regarding a train versus a pedestrian call for service. A female adult went through the closed gate while the red lights were flashing, indicating an approaching train. The patient appeared to trip on the tracks, fall as a northbound train entered the platform, and fell under the train. Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and transported the patient to a local hospital for a medical evaluation.

07/30

TSB Deputies Assist Unconscious Person
TSB Deputies responded to Firestone Metro Passenger Station for a call for service regarding an unconscious male. Upon their arrival, the deputies observed a Hispanic male adult (patient) lying down on the ground. They assessed the patient and observed he had a weak pulse and shallow breathing. They placed him in the recovery position and administered one dose of Narcan (4 mg). The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and transported the patient to a local hospital for a medical evaluation.

Assault and Attempt to Dissuade a Victim (Suspect Arrested)
TSB Deputies were contacted by a Hispanic female adult who said she was assaulted by her boyfriend while on the train arriving at Lake Metro Passenger Station. The suspect was identified and detained. The victim further stated her boyfriend attempted to prevent her from testifying in another case (not involving the suspect) where she is the victim of another felony assault. The victim sustained swelling to the side of her face and a bloody nose. The Pasadena Fire Department responded and medically evaluated the victim, but she refused to be transported to the hospital.

07/28

TSB Deputies Assist an Unconscious Person
TSB Deputies responded to Santa Monica Metro Passenger Station to conduct a patrol check. They observed a Hispanic female adult (patient) lying on the platform. Upon making contact, they noticed the Patient was unresponsive. They located a faint pulse and saw the pupils in both of her eyes were constricted. The deputies administered two doses of Narcan (4 mg). The deputies were able to get the patient’s breathing and pulse to improve. Deputies placed the patient in the recovery position. The Santa Monica Fire Department responded and transported the patient to Saint John’s Hospital for a medical evaluation.

Grand Theft (Copper Wire / Suspect Outstanding)
TSB Deputies responded to 19th Street/ Colorado Avenue in the City of Santa Monica regarding a copper theft call for service. Upon arrival at the location, the deputies met with a Metro supervisor who showed them the specific location where the incident occurred. Deputies saw approximately six ten-foot sections of copper wire were cut and taken by unknown suspects(s), valued at approximately $6,000.

If you have any additional information regarding the above incidents, please contact Transit Services Bureau Detectives at (323) 563-5207. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip by calling 800-222-TIPS or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.