Lakewood Woman Claims Assault By RTA Police at W117/Madison

[Troy Bratz]

Her story is here via a Facebook post. I thought I would share.

This occurred at the West 117th & Madison Rapid Station on Sunday night.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... =615067376

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152667067607377&id=615067376

[michael gill]

I've left the name in place because she posted her account on Facebook, and it has been shared hundreds of times.

From RTA spokesperson Linda Krecic:

"Yesterday, (March 30) we became aware of the incident and immediately launched a thorough investigation.

"Today, we received a formal complaint from Ms. Jessica Ferrato, and we will be interviewing her as part of the process.

"From what we know now, it appears this incident could have been handled far more appropriately.

"We apologize for the way this incident transpired, and this is clearly an unfortunate situation.

"Importantly, we will be taking the appropriate action internally, and once the investigation is complete, we will be able to provide further details.

"Regarding requests for video and police reports, a complete police report is not yet available. Surveillance video is still being obtained by Transit Police for their use in their investigation. We will let you know when we will be able to release it."

[Stan Austin]

It sounds like RTA is going as far as it can at the moment in terms of actually recognizing the seriousness of this incident.

After having read the Facebook posting it would seem that there is a potential of an assault charge being placed against this RTA employee as well as complicity in any of the other employees.

And, this still raises the question of the legitimacy of the RTA police force and should they be carrying deadly weapons and thinking that they really are authorized to do ----- anything?

Stan Austin

[Danielle Masters]

My question regarding this issue is if they are there to stop turnstile jumpers then why don't they place themselves near the turnstiles. If I am leaving the station alone at night quite honestly I am very unlikely to stop when someone calls to me, especially to show them my ticket once I am already out of the station. This really shouldn't have happened.

[ryan costa]

This transit cop is not very good.

Police are only supposed to rough up thugs and bad guys

Most thugs or bad guys are....teenagers.

(he is doing it wrong).

[michael gill]

RTA releases a statement, and the transit police report on the incident. The police report, written by the arresting officer, says clearly that this woman walking by herself was taken to the ground, threatened with pepper spray, and because the cop was afraid she might be packing a weapon, cut her purse from her grasp with a knife--all over the fact that she couldn't read the transit pass she showed him, and then refused to stop when he commanded. No discussion of whether or why her pants were, as she claims, taken down. Maybe that's in the video. The officer is under suspension. If you want the video, you've got to go down to the office.

From RTA:

"CLEVELAND -- Today, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) released video footage, a police report, and a statement regarding a March 29 incident at the West 117th Street Rapid Station.

"RTA’s investigation and review of this incident is on-going. While there are some discrepancies as to what actually occurred, it is apparent that this matter could have been handled more appropriately. The Transit Police Officer was justified in asking the customer for proof of payment as part of his fare enforcement duties. However, our review of this incident shows that certain departmental policies and procedures were not followed. The officer involved is currently suspended pending further administrative action. RTA will continue its review of this matter and take required action. Our goal is to ensure that all of our customers are treated appropriately and respectfully."

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I think this is what the Planning Community calls a "Transit-Oriented Development," or "TOD" for short. Or maybe that's something else. Anybody?

[Stan Austin]

Once you cut through some understandable bureaucratize the fact that RTA has suspended this officer and not put him on desk duty is really the important point. (Note to other area police departments: don't hire this guy if he applies to your department)
All in all I think RTA "gets it" in terms of its responsibility and is proceeding to clear up this mess.
Stan Austin