Transit Police Officers Assualted in Incident at Metrotown Station

A Transit Police officer was injured Sunday evening when she and two of her colleagues scuffled with a man resisting arrest at a SkyTrain station. A struggle with a male under arrest for suspected obstruction of justice resulted in the three Transit Police officers being violently pushed down a concrete stairwell by the out-of-control assailant. Tumbling approximately 15-stairs, one of the officers sustained head, knee, hip and elbow injuries. One of the other two officers sustained a cut and abrasion and the other was uninjured but shaken. Both were able to subdue the suspect and complete the arrest. The injured officer was transported to Burnaby General Hospital by BC Ambulance. Following a medical examination, the Transit Police officer was released and is recovering at home from her injuries. The male arrested was first encountered when the three Transit Police officers were conducting a high visibility initiative at Metrotown Station shortly after 9:00 pm Sunday, engaging with passengers to ensure compliance with fare regulations. He allegedly provided a false name to the Transit Police officers and, despite repeated opportunities for him to provide a correct name, officers decided to arrest him for investigation of obstruction. That is when the struggle allegedly ensued. Transit Police are preparing recommended charges against the suspect for obstruction of justice, resisting arrest and assault of police officers causing bodily harm. Transit Police Inspector David Hansen explained that the high visibility initiatives regularly conducted by Transit Police are aimed at reassuring the public by engaging transit riders. “Our Transit Police officers work to create a safe public environment, with the high visibility presence demonstrating vigilance. We engage the public, are alert to their concerns and we ensure compliance with transit regulations, including those requiring fare payment,” Inspector Hansen explained. “Often, fare checks will lead to further investigations of individuals we encounter. When someone fails to provide proof of their identity or gives a false identity, the situation can often escalate to a more serious level, especially when we encounter violent people. In this case, that appears what happened.

” For further information contact: Inspector David Hansen 604-512-4734