WASHINGTON — Metro Transit Police (MTPD) had to a break up a brawl at the U Street Metro station Tuesday afternoon. The fight resulted in one person being detained after they resisted arrest.
Sherri Ly, a spokesperson for Metro, said the MTPD officers responded to a call of a fight in progress at the U Street Station around 3:30 p.m. An officer on scene intervened to stop the fight and take one of the individuals into custody. The suspect, who was not identified by Ly, fought with the officer, who eventually used pepper spray to detain them.
The officer was treated by medics on scene for pepper spray exposure and released. No other injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing, according to Ly.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager Randy Clarke spoke with DC Councilmembers Tuesday about the issue of public safety on Metro.
Over the last few months, we've shared some disturbing stories regarding behavior on Metro. Everything from stabbings to sexual harassment claims
The latest Metro Transit crime statistics show crimes like aggravated assault and theft, are up almost 40% compared to this time last year.
DC Councilmember Brooke Pinto said she was happy to hear Clarke wants to add more lighting and video cameras to stations, and even add more staff like police, plain clothes officers and mental health experts to enhance safety.