Madison Park

I am a huge fan of the light rail.  I wanted to let the community know what happen to me this afternoon.

I had boarded the train at Carson.  I was standing next to the doors that open to the Tyvola Side platform since they would not open again until I reached my station and I would not be in the way.   It was not that crowded with about people standing.  A female passenger boards along the route.  The reason I noted the people standing in front of me was it was a single train and when we passed the yard there were several trains sitting in it.   I thought these afternoon trains are getting crowded and they use the second car.

When the train reaches Woodlawn I am still standing next to my door facing the back of the train.  My back to the front of the train.  Handicap seats sideways across from me.

All of a sudden I catch the shadow of a fist coming toward my head.  It hit me just above the eye breaking one of my back teeth.  He immediately exited the train in a fast pace.  Heading away from Woodlawn on the platform.

I tried to get the attention of the operator with no luck.  He never looked back.  Several passengers gasped as they witness what happened asking me if I needed to sit down.  By then the train was moving toward Tyvola.

The doors open and I went immediately to the emergency tower to push the alarm.  Nothing happened it was not working apparently. 

Another passenger pulled out his cell phone and called 911.   While waiting for the medics and police another passenger came to check on me and told the police what she saw.

I was taken to the ER. 

I wanted to make everyone aware that this happened in a full train with plenty of passenger.

The person that attack me was a black male.  I did not get a very good luck...mostly just from his back.  I was probably lucky I was standing and not sitting.

Anyway hopefully nothing like this will happen again to anyone, but please be alert.

I had a canvas bag and perhaps he was going to take it I don't know.  It all happened like a blurr.

Marty, what a horrifying experience that must have been. It just goes to show that you can never be too careful. My daughter sometimes rides the train to work and I have always been a little leery of how safe the train really is, and just how well the security measures that are taken are going to work in case of situations like this.

It sounds like you were extremely lucky, that could have gone real bad real fast. Thankfully there were people to offer assistance. With any luck they will catch the guy, and hopefully this will serve as proof that maybe the train safety plan that is currently in place may need to be revised.

I wish you a speedy recovery, and all the best. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

In our thoughts and prayers, very sincerely,

The Witter family 

I appreciate your Thoughts and Prayers.  I really had let my guard down and was somewhat day dreaming deciding which way I was going to walk home when I arrived at my station Tyvola.

I enjoy the train and never felt uncomfortable riding it, especially in the middle of the day.  I like meeting people while waiting for the trains.

Today though I was just sort of off to my self not really aware of my surroundings at all.  Could not of even told you who was around me.   Pehaps it showed.

Glad it was just a fist and not a knife or gun.  Trust me it did enough damage. 

I was most concerned the emergency alarm on the platform appeared to not work, but like you said  was blessed a couple of people come to my aid. 

I don't think I will ever ride again without keeping my eyes more open. 

Cats and CMPD already contacted me several times this evening and are working on it.  Should be tapes from the train of the person that doing it.

Thanks Again...... Hope my post will help keep others more alert and safe!

Something I learned from CATS security this weekend.  Every train car has two ER buttons inside.    I have been riding for almost a year and had never seen these buttons.  Those buttons will give you direct contact with the driver should a problem occur during your ride.

These are located behind / next to the handicap seats.   Probably the reason I have not seen them is people sitting or standing blocking them in that area. 

I suggested CATS place better signs, and maybe some red arrows directing riders attention down the walls.

 Also the ER buttons on the platforms have all been checked and repaired.  There was an AT&T line problem and at least the one I was trying to use didn't work due to that reason.