Encino, Los Angeles – A suspect has been apprehended following a violent robbery on a Metro bus in Encino, marking the third assault on the transit system within the past 24 hours. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of Ventura and Balboa boulevards. Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene and successfully took the suspect into custody.
Although initial reports suggested a stabbing had taken place during the incident, a Metro spokesperson clarified that the suspect was actually accused of robbing a man’s cellphone and striking him in the chest. Thankfully, the victim did not sustain any injuries that required hospitalization or medical assistance. This recent event adds to the string of violent occurrences on the Metro system in the last week.
In separate incidents on Monday, violence erupted on the Metro system in Glendale and at the Vermont/Athens C Line train station in South Los Angeles. These incidents have left frequent Metro riders feeling apprehensive about their safety, prompting concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement presence on the transit system.
In response to these incidents, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed frustration with the current approach, emphasizing the need for a more robust action plan. Barger highlighted the importance of having law enforcement agencies actively involved in ensuring passenger safety on the Metro system. She criticized the overreliance on the unarmed ambassador program, stressing the vital role of law enforcement in maintaining order and security.
The incidents have underscored the importance of a comprehensive safety strategy that involves collaboration between the Los Angeles Police Department, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, and the Long Beach Police Department. Barger’s call for a reevaluation of the current approach reflects growing concerns about the rising number of violent incidents on the Metro system and the need for more proactive measures to address these challenges.