Giving Jay Walking Tickets - A Waste of Time?

North Hollywood Officers were driving down Lankershim Blvd. when they observed a suspect run across from the Orange Bus Line to the Red Line station. Officers parked the police vehicle and walked to the subway property. Their intention was to look for the person who just crossed the street illegally in front of them. Such a violation normally results in just a citation. They didn't have to look long. People waiting for the subway approached the officers to advise them of a drunk person yelling and threatening people while waiting for the arrival of the next train.

The suspect who was visibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol, did not want to be bothered. Immediately, he began to yell at officers and obviously became even more agitated. The suspect was detained as some people purchased tickets just a few feet away. Originally he was detained for "just" a jay walking violation that quickly escalated into scaring passengers on the train platform with his erratic behavior. Next, it escalated into threatening to kill two police officers.

Handcuffed and searched, officers discovered a large 12-inch butcher knife in the waistband of the suspect's pants. Luckily he was stopped before entering the train. Who knows what would have happened in his state of mind if he was never detained.

The suspect now sits in the back seat of the police car making more threats, spitting and trying to kick out the police car windows. It's clear the honor system does not work when it comes to paying for the use of the MTA. It's been 10 years since the completion of the subway and the unlocked turnstiles do not stop or even deter fare evaders.

I use to think the biggest change to stop crime in the area is to finally lock the turnstiles. Now I'm starting to think metal detectors may be a better deterrent.

Any questions or comments
Officer John Catalano, LAPD - Nrth Hollywood
32740@lapd.lacity.org