Sources: 1
Around midnight Sunday, a crowd of approximately 50 people gathered at Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue, just south of downtown Los Angeles, disrupting train service for about 20 minutes.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded swiftly after receiving a call at 12:12 a.m. reporting five male suspects vandalizing a train car. Officer Kevin Terzes confirmed the incident, noting the suspects had entered the train and caused damage to its interior.
Video footage captured by OnScene.TV showed dozens of LAPD officers forming a skirmish line across the street from the crowd. The officers were equipped with black and green riot guns that fire foam rounds, a non-lethal method used to control the mob.
Jose Ubaldo, a Metro spokesperson, stated,
"Train service was delayed about 20 minutes after about 50 people blocked southbound and northbound trains at Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue at midnight."The crowd's purpose for gathering remains unclear, though some attendees were noted to be dressed festively, wearing pink platform heels and cat ears, suggesting a party atmosphere.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by transit authorities and law enforcement in managing public safety and service continuity amid unexpected disturbances.
Key quotes:"The Los Angeles Police Department was alerted at 12:12 a.m. Sunday by a caller who said five male suspects had entered a train car and were vandalizing the interior," said Officer Kevin Terzes.
Stats:- About 50 people blocked trains causing a 20-minute delay.
- Dozens of LAPD officers deployed foam-firing riot guns.
The LAPD's use of foam guns underscores a commitment to non-lethal crowd control in volatile situations, aiming to restore order while minimizing harm.
Sources: 1
LAPD confronted a mob of about 50 people with foam-firing riot guns after suspects vandalized a train car near downtown Los Angeles, causing a 20-minute delay in train service at Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue around midnight Sunday.
