Recent violent attacks and robberies on Los Angeles metro buses are prompting transit authorities and police to take additional security measures.
In the past two weeks, two stabbings, an assault and a series of robberies have been reported on Los Angeles metro buses. On Saturday, audio was recorded of a bus driver pleading with a man who police say berated him and then punched and stabbed him.
The driver survived the violence and law enforcement continues to search for the attacker.
A man attacked another female driver on Thursday after she refused to let him board an out-of-service bus in Santa Monica. It is unclear if an arrest has been made in this case.
“Disgusting is the word I use. And now it’s getting worse everywhere,” said John M. Ellis, general president of SMART Union, which represents 4,500 Metro bus operators and 500 rail operators.
In a statement to NBC4, press secretary for Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the transit agency has increased safety measures.
“Metro has increased the presence of transit security officers on its bus system as part of its broader security strategy and will install reinforced barriers to further protect operators,” the release said.
LAPD Deputy Chief of Transit Services Don Graham said that while the recent incidents are concerning, violent crime on public transit has decreased by 41% over the past year. He also pointed out that 30 LAPD officers sit on buses on routes considered most prone to violence.
Graham said he believed tougher prosecutions could curb the violence. According to the official, people spit or throw liquid at drivers, but since this kind of confrontation is not considered a very violent crime, the perpetrators do not see strict consequences in court. The transport police are now working with the prosecutor’s office to strengthen the prosecution.
Metro released the following statement on the matter:
News Source : www.nbclosangeles.com
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