Los Angeles, California – In a recent violent incident on the city’s mass transit system, a man aboard a Metro bus carried out a bold daytime robbery by stealing a fellow passenger’s cellphone after assaulting them with a pair of pliers, as confirmed by authorities. The assault took place around 2 p.m. at Balboa and Ventura boulevards in Encino, prompting a response from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered that the assailant had repeatedly struck the victim with the pliers while on the bus. The victim, fortunately, did not require medical attention following the attack. The quick response of the LAPD led to the arrest of a suspect on charges of assault and battery as he attempted to flee the scene, according to Metro authorities. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Michael Lindsey, is currently in custody on robbery charges with bail set at $1.1 million.
This incident adds to a series of violent events on the county’s mass transit system, including stabbings that occurred on or near the Metro system the day before. Despite these occurrences, Metro officials report a decrease in the rate of crime per passenger on the system. This reduction is reflected in the data showing just over five reported crimes per million boardings in March 2024, marking a significant decline from previous months and years.
The safety concerns extend beyond passengers, as bus drivers have also been victims of recent attacks. Unions representing train and bus operators have criticized Metro for what they perceive as a lack of adequate response to violence on the system. In an effort to enhance security measures, Metro has implemented strategies such as adding more security personnel on buses and installing barriers to protect drivers.
The agency is committed to addressing the safety of its employees and passengers, recognizing the importance of providing a secure environment for all individuals utilizing the Metro system. With ongoing efforts to improve security and reduce incidents of violence, Metro aims to prioritize the well-being of its employees and the community at large.