Unsuck DC Metro: Creeps

Friday, June 10, 2011

Creeps

A reader sent the following via Twitter:

An African American teenager put his hand up my dress at the Huntington-bound platform at Chinatown around 8 p.m. on Monday.

I was vocal in calling him out, but when I confronted him, no one else intervened.

He said "I enjoyed it."

I left to report him to Metro as he laughed at me.

He had a medium complexion, with a slim build. He was 16-18 years old. He was 5'7"-5'10", with a pastel polo shirt and short curly hair.

The police were great. Let's hope for the best.

Last night, I saw another creepy dude.

As I was reading email on my phone at Rosslyn on the Vienna-bound platform around 9:30, out of the corner of my eye, I saw what appeared to be two friends saying goodbye for the night with a friendly hug.

I had my headphones in, so I couldn't hear what was said between them, but after the embrace, the woman came up to me with a nervous look on her face.

I took out my earbuds, and she told me "I have no idea who that was."

A Blue Line train was coming, and as it was pulling in, she came back to me and, with a nervous laugh, said "if I end up in the missing persons report, please remember my face."

It was hard to tell if she was joking or not.

Anyway, the guy had disappeared, so I smiled and said "Sure. OK" and explained that it had looked to me like they knew each other.

She shrugged her shoulders, shook her head and boarded the train.

I made sure she wasn't followed.

I scanned the platform toward my left, in the direction he'd walked and didn't see him. But as I turned my head back around, I saw the same guy on my right "playfully" try to grab another young woman as he passed her rounding the corner to hop on the down escalator, which he marched up.

I asked her what happened, and she told me it was pretty much the same as I'd seen. She remarked how brazen the guy was, but she didn't seem too concerned as she had a male friend with her.

Then, two other guys joined the discussion. They had seen the guy acting strangely toward women upstairs.

He seemed to be circulating around the station.

I called Metro Transit Police who took down my description: African American male, mid-to-late 20s, shortish (5'7"-5'8"), average build, with short hair, a receding hairline, glasses, a dark polo shirt and dark slacks.

Anyone else out there seen either one of these creeps?

Other items:
Metro's "new approach" to track work (WMATA)
This weekend's work (WMATA)

Comments (57)

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+1 Vote up Vote down

largoclone · 720 weeks ago

I was in Rosslyn on the same platform waiting for the Blue Line about 45 minutes later. Nothing out of the ordinary at that point. Whoever was doing this was gone by then.

+8 Vote up Vote down

Matt G · 720 weeks ago

Exactly the reason why I voted on the poll on the left "The biggest threat to my safety on Metro comes from" - FELLOW RIDERS.

Think about it. Yes, operation "Cool Breeze" is about as refreshing as a Mexican beach without the wind, but the things that are most alarming to us are these menacing sinister citizens. Just this morning a judge gets his phone stolen on the metro, these creepy denizens are approaching random women inappropriately, and the man who can't keep it in his pants is pressing up against people on crowded trains. An indifferent station manager who deserves to be fired is extremely irking, but they aren't sticking their hands down the pants of every customer trying to cop a feel or steal an iphone.

The question is: What can we, the loyal law-abiding riding public do about this brazen outbreak of unacceptable behavior? Metro Transit Police can't deal with it alone.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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GDopplerXT · 720 weeks ago

One thing we can do: get our phones out and start taking pictures and videos. (just don't keep it out all the time, especially if it's a iPhone, because it might get snatched from your hand.)

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soylent green line · 720 weeks ago

I don't know if you work in Chinatown or for any reason have to go to Chinatown, but I would like to put out an all-points bulletin to anyone and everyone to steer clear of Chinatown, pretty much forever. I live very close to there and make it a point to never actually go into Chinatown. The metro station is a mess, and these future homeless scumbags and prisoners aren't worth the effort. Of course, once you get out of the Metro, then you're actually in Chinatown, and things get even worse. Between the wild-eyed tourists who had no idea what they were getting themselves into, the roving bands of listless and hostile teenagers that should be rounded up and shot, and the general chaos that is Chinatown, there is no reason to waste a second of your life in that miserable hellhole. Unless the Caps are playing.

12 replies · active 720 weeks ago

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Guest · 720 weeks ago

I've never had any problems in Chinatown and I used to go there (by Metro, or walking from NOMA) several times a week. I still go there after work a couple of times a month.

I always stay aware of my sorroundings when I'm anywhere. Maybe that's why I've never had trouble there.

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soylent green line · 720 weeks ago

I engaged in some hyperbole in my post, but the Chinatown really is a sweltering zoo in the summertime - now that school is out and tourist season is in full swing, it's going to be even worse.

I'm not saying you have to travel in an armored personnel carrier to visit (and I've never actually been accosted either), all I'm saying is that there's no reason to go to such a crowded and miserable place if you can avoid it because there are so many better places to go to HH or dinner after work.

Although, Rocket Bar can be pretty fun in addition to hockey games.

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Guest · 720 weeks ago

I used to go to Krav Maga training in Chinatown. There's some tough sob's training and teaching there. One of these days some thug's going to choose the wrong white boy (or girl) to victimize!

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unsuckdcmetro 92p · 720 weeks ago

The guy at Rosslyn was hardly thuglike in appearance. Was dressed business casual.

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Other Guest · 720 weeks ago

F__in A. Grab that punk with your thighs and introduce his head into the nearest pole

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anon · 719 weeks ago

I saw a guy on Metro get into an argument with a teen. The guy claimed he took Krav Maga and would kick the teen's ass. Thats when the teen out of nowhere knocked him out cold with one punch. I guess that guy needs more training. LOL

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thedofc · 719 weeks ago

Why does it matter that you're white?

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rory14 · 719 weeks ago

Some see that as an easier target. Less likely to react in violence

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VeggieTart · 720 weeks ago

I'm glad you remembered to mention the Caps games. It's pretty much the only reason I go there, even if I've never had a problem. But then coming and going, I'm surrounded by hockey fans.

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Guest · 720 weeks ago

The hockey fans can be worse. At least the feral thug children and perverts know to stand on the right!

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Kat · 720 weeks ago

I've seen things ebb and flow in Chinatown, and there are signs of improvement lately. I'd hate to see the local businesses suffer because people think they aren't safe there. But vigilance is definitely called for, don't walk around like a hapless tourist.

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thedofc · 719 weeks ago

"I'd hate to see the local businesses suffer because people think they aren't safe there."
"By local business", do you mean:
Dunkin Donuts, Chipotle, McDonalds, Subway, Clyde's, California Tortilla, Urban Outfitters, Bed Bath and Beyond, Legal Seafood, Ruby Tuesday, City Sports, Radio Shack, Chop't, Starubucks, or AT&T?

Trust me, they'll do fine.
Besides, it isn't that dangerous, just don't act a fool by flashing you iPad 2 around a bunch of strangers.

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Corresponding Toads · 720 weeks ago

The only thing worse than a toad is a creep.

There are a number of men on the Metro who obviously don't give a fuck about how they are perceived by the rest of us. They go on Metro specifically to harass women, because Metro is exactly the kind of place where you can get away with shit like this. That shouldn't be so, but it's true. Definitely due to lack of police presence in the trains themselves, but mostly due to the fact that other passengers will NOT stick their neck out for riders who are being harassed.

There are exceptional passengers who will seriously try to "rescue" the victims in these situations, but for the most part, witnesses will stay silent throughout. Best to let the other riders get harassed. Keep your mouth shut and hope for the best, right?

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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HurricaneDC 76p · 720 weeks ago

I'd like to think that I would stand up for others, but I can't totally blame people for not doing anything. Would YOU risk getting shot or stabbed (I really think these pieces of shit have less impulse control than a rabid dog) just to publicly shame some punk who's probably gonna end up wearing an orange DOC jumpsuit in a few years anyway?

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Kipp · 720 weeks ago

I have never witnessed anything like the things people describe on these types of post on UnSuck. I'm a big guy, 6'3" and played high school football. Maybe the creeps avoid doing things in sight of decent guys that could squash them. If so, I'd suggest you move in crowds and not stand alone in secluded areas.

I know it sucks to not feel safe by yourself everywhere, but that's how the real world is. Be thankful you don't live in North Africa where it's completely social acceptable to harrass and jeer/leer at any passing woman (if she'd not accompanied by a man).

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 720 weeks ago

In some North African countries they also practice female genital mutilation and they stone women to death for the crimes of adultery and being raped. Not too big on women's rights there.

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thedofc · 719 weeks ago

I totally agree. Some folks are afraid of anyone who looks different, especially if they look less fortunate. In my 17 years living in D.C. I've commuted via Metro daily the last four of them. NEVER have I seen a crime. Yes some people LOOK shady/creepy, but that means nothing.

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M. · 720 weeks ago

The "real world"?? Fortunately we live in the UNITED STATES, where that is not socially acceptable. This type of behavior unchecked leads to violence and assault.

Any how ... this post prompted me to buy pepper spray for self protection, the hooligans are out of control.

Unsuck, can you use some mad reporting skillz and find out what the laws are in D.C. and on the Metro regarding pepper spray. I know some states don't allow it like MA. D.C. hates freedom and self protection, just wondering what their laws are regarding pepper spray I would hate to have it on me in the District and get arrested. I know VA being the free state it is allows it. Thanks!

11 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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soylent green line · 720 weeks ago

I don't think pepper spray is legal in DC. That doesn't mean you can't carry it though.

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soylent green line · 720 weeks ago

I take that back - apparently it is legal, but you must 'register it with law enforcement." What a joke.

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Guest · 720 weeks ago

What about air horns? I bet they're legal, and you could do some damage to an attacker's face/ears with one.

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soylent green line · 720 weeks ago

Haha, that's actually a great idea! I don't think ANYONE would see that coming, but I bet it'd draw a crowd.

Or a SWAT team. : /

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guest1 · 720 weeks ago

That's horrible! What happens if it's not registered?

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dddddda · 719 weeks ago

While my evidence is circumstantial, my understanding is that you only need to register your pepper spray if it's purchased in the District. If you order it online, it's not "purchased" in the District. In addition, they must not take the registration too seriously, since the mayor and police chief apparently signed off on this report recommending that college students carry it, as "Organic pepper spray, which consists of
either black or red pepper, is a legal instrument of personal
safety in the District." http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/lib/mpdc/info/safety_pdf/...

I know I carry it, police in my neighborhood know this, and they have never mentioned registering it. Easier to ask for forgiveness than permission...especially where self-defense is concerned and evidence can be presented that you had every reason to believe it was legal (can be legally shipped here from internet retailers without additional paperwork, mayor and police chief recommend it without mentioning registration, etc.).

Not the greatest idea to disperse it in the enclosed space of an underground Metro station, train, or bus, however. Screaming like hell is a better first alternative. A good shove (down an escalator, if possible) is my "escalation plan." I would use the pepper spray in an enclosed space if I felt it was my only option, however. I apologize in advance...if my life is in danger I'm not going to trust the Metro police to come to my rescue.

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Matt G · 720 weeks ago

I don't understand your point here

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soylent green line · 720 weeks ago

M was asking if pepper spray is legal or not. It is, but you have to register your possesion of it with local law enforcement. To me, that's hilarious - hence the "What a joke."

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Ever and Anon · 720 weeks ago

Who needs pepper spray? Just take a small spray bottle of perfume with you. Not illegal for a lady to have a little scent in hand is it? Stings like the dickens if it gets in your eyes though.

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n2deep · 720 weeks ago

i think you would much rather have to deal with the police because you used pepper spray on a thug than have to deal with a possible rape. sorry to be so honest, but it is the bottom line.

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Kat · 720 weeks ago

Pepper spray is legal in DC, but it must be registered with the police. And for god's sake, don't set it off underground. I've seen what happens when that stuff is released in confined spaces, and it's ugly. If anyone has a health problem, they may end up in the hospital.

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crucible · 720 weeks ago

I'm a former Marine who happens to have a great wife, two daughters and I mother, all of whom I love dearly, so my protection of women tendency is just a bit ingrained. That said, while I don't go looking for trouble, I tell you I'd freaking love the opportunity to help protect someone against such a maggot committing sexual assault (that is what happened here-I sure hope it's being handled at that level and not something minor).

I'm sorry this happened, and I'm sorry there was no one with any guts whatsoever to intervene.

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 720 weeks ago

Agreed. Have had some traditional MA training and some training by a former Vietnam PBR operator. Hope we catch this guy together.

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HurricaneDC 76p · 720 weeks ago

I'd be the first one to donate to your legal fund (because you know some scumbag lawyer would jump all over the "rights" of a sub-human like a person who commits sexual assault) if necessary. Hell if I was a lawyer I'd rep you pro-bono.

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Linds · 719 weeks ago

Women don't need men to intervene and save them. They need to "tits up" and kick the guy in the face/knee/crotch/whatever and stop being so afraid.

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Luke · 720 weeks ago

It seems to me that any of the touching mentioned in the post would constitute sexual assault and thus allow the victim or any good samaritan to use overwhelming force to stop it. Ladies, please speak up or yell when this happens. I would love to give one of those subhuman primates the beating of a lifetime and I don't care if I get arrested. I know that, even in DC, at least one person on the jury will vote against convicting me. Criminal convictions need unanimous decisions.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Anon · 720 weeks ago

The one did speak up. Nobody helped. Not everyone is able or brave enough to do so. alas.

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Mustang Sally · 720 weeks ago

As a woman who uses the metro, I agree that one should never ever stand alone or in the secluded areas on the platform. When I wait for a train I am usually circulating the platform. If I see someone who gives me creeper vibes, I just move away and stand either near another woman or I stand near the escalators, since there is normally a lot of people there. But really the solution is to just keep moving and not to make yourself a target. When if comes to gropers, try to stand with your back to the wall, facing the plastic divider of the seats, or the center doors, and have your purse, bag what have you across your front.

Also, I notice that a lot of these incidences occur when the victim appears either distracted or submissive - not making eye contact, looking away, etc.

Sex offenders get off on the power trip, the fact that they can get away with the violations from a weak victim.

To combat this I've been taught to always look like you're alert, even with your earphones on or you're reading, always look around every few seconds, and move. Also, its probably best not to do things like reading, puzzles, etc while you're standing on the platform, wait until you're secured in your spot in the metro, but even then, look everywhere. On the train or platform always take note of your surroundings, don't become so fully engrossed in whatever you seem to be doing. I do this think called the 360 scan, where you essentially make mental notes of the people around you (Ie. white female, medium build, purple dress, blonde hair, asian male, heavy build, green shirt, khanki pants, dark framed eyeglasses) every ten seconds. I know this sounds kind of extreme, but when you practice it, you learn to do this automatically while you're walking, it's a good way to always been away of your surroundings incase you do need to report someone.

Also, make eye contact and cross your arms across your chest, and stand with your feet apart. This body language automatically gives off a, "Don't fuck with me" vibe. My self defense teacher always told me wherever you are, walk with confidence and make it known you're not to be trifled with, don't scoot around with your head down looking flustered, you'll only attract the creeps. Just walk around like you own the place, and that you'll bitch slap anyone who tries to mess with you, and most likely you'll get left alone.

And if you do have a brazen asshole who STILL attempts something, be as loud as possible. Usually public shaming does frighten them off. And if more people back you up in this, the faster the little bastard is going to slink away. And, mind you this is an absolute last resort, if you have to, make physical contact, like a forceful shove (most of the time they aren't expecting their victims to actually fight back, this makes it known you're not going down easily, and if anything this will attract more attention), and get the hell away, don't stand their waiting for it to escalate, or for them to run off. Just get away from the miscreant, pepper spray them if you have to (I have military-grade pepper gel on me at all times), but get yourself to safety.

But I agree, metro riders need to start looking out for each other, since obviously the metro police are doing a piss poor job. If you see someone being harassed on the metro, you should speak up. The louder you can be the more their dicks shrink (and yes I know there are women sex offenders, but lately it seems that men make up the vast majority of this demographic) and you ruin their sick fantasy. Have your phone out to take a picture of the offender if the victim is unable, but if anything, help someone out. The more people who stand up to the asshole, the more likely we can get these jerks to stop.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 720 weeks ago

Also, if you have to hit someone, go for the weak spots - crotch, eyes, throat, kneecaps, etc. They teach this in Krav Maga.

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Lulz · 720 weeks ago

Lots of good advice in these posts! I think part of the issue is that people need to learn to fight back. It seems people are too afraid to dabble in people's affairs or are afraid in general to get pulled into a physical fight or may get sued by the originating offender ( I mean you've heard stories of the victim getting charged with "excessive" assault because they fought back against their attacker). But I believe that this fear of getting involved, is letting the offenders win. They know that they can gang up on people with out meeting resistance, or the worst thing that happens is that their fight get's uploaded to youtube. But I think if offenders knew that their victim or the people around the victim are willing to throw-down and make a scene, I have a feeling that a lot of these incidents will drop off.

Is it bad I have a sick fantasy that involves beating the bejeezus out of one of those teens on the Metro? I'd love to see them try, Iol, I'd try flip them onto the track and aim for that third rail. I bet if one of those little shits saw their friend get zapped/hit by a train they'd think twice about doing it again.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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soylent green line · 720 weeks ago

For my part, I suspect the fear that many harbor to getting involved in these situations involves the possiblity that these little gangsters are packing heat.

That doesn't mean you're wrong, I just thought it needed to be pointed out.

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Kat · 720 weeks ago

Making one of them *think* you are about to pound them may be sufficient. Like others have pointed out, they seem to count on people keeping their heads down and eyes firmly glued to the Ipod.

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HurricaneDC 76p · 720 weeks ago

I'd say it's a bit concerning but honestly? I'd rather have people with that mindset than the mindset that these thugs have.

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VeggieTart · 719 weeks ago

No, Lulz, I confess I have sick fantasies about beating the living crap out of anyone who tries shit with me, and I know my boyfriend does, too. I also know I would say that if anyone tried to hurt me, and I was fortuitous enough to cause him damage, I would be saying he asked for it.

The little thugs who commit these assaults are a greater threat and a threat far more real than terrorism. Too bad Homeland inSecurity money can't go toward combating these little fuckers.

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Frustr8dCommuter · 720 weeks ago

Not on my watch.

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@theiJerk · 720 weeks ago

I can't believe how passive the riders are. Most of the time they just look, this is one reasons why those kids get away with so much. not if I and other riders that feel like me were there. Sorry this had to happen to you.

Everyone, please be alert when you are out in public to notice things. Try not to get too caught up in you "iWorld" that you do not notice lifesaving cues, please. If you cannot do it or too scared, call for help! People who become targets are not only that look weak, but the ones that are distracted.

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Curly · 720 weeks ago

Keys. Keys are a good defensive weapon that nearly everyone has. All you do is hold them in such a way that when you make a fist you have 2-3 keys sticking out between your fingers. Rake them across the face and especially the eyes. Better yet, take aim for the eyes and punch.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Mike · 719 weeks ago

Or you could just kick him in the gonads...

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Mimi · 719 weeks ago

I definitely agree with what everyone has said here. BE ALERT.

I actually had a 4th degree sexual assault on the metro not too long ago... The guy ended up snatching my iPod out of my lap (it was under a book I was reading). Normally, my iPod is not in sight and so I believe this to be a slip up on my part (though that guy in undoubtedly wrong for the crimes he has committed). I saw the guy. I knew there was something very suspicious about him, but I didn't move seats after he sat right in front of me. I ride the metro every day so I am just USED to seeing suspicious looking characters. But back to the point- be alert.

I wasn't as alert as I could've been. As someone suggested, KNOW who's on the train with you. Don't be afraid to be observant. If something occurs, you should know details. And be wise. I know now that I should seek crowded train cars rather than empty ones (there were only a few people on the train car when the incident happened).

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dcn8v · 719 weeks ago

Sadly, if a perv grinds up against you on the Metro in Virginia, the law says that they can't prosecute the perv for sexual assault unless the person actually exposes their genitals. And they can't ban an offender who's been found guilty from the entire Metro system, since it's multi-jurisdictional. They can only ban someone from a specific station or from specific lines for as long as their sentence runs, i.e. if they get probation for a year, they can only be banned from the station or line for a year.

If you're assaulted or harrassed, or if you witness an assault, please get a good description and call Metro Police. You never know if you'll be the one to provide the information that takes some creep off the street.

Finally, please stand up if you see someone being harrassed. Just reaching out to the victim might give them an exit strategy to get them out of the situation.

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Todd · 719 weeks ago

Um, this is beyond creepy. These are crimes..

Where are all the men on these metro cars? I'm no marine or "tough guy" but I can handle myself..and would drop someone -or at least attempt to- if I caught some chump pulling that on a vulnerable women..

This garbage needs to stop..

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Golden Silence · 719 weeks ago

More from good old Metrobus and Metrorail (via Holla Back DC!):

Metro Employee Encouraging Harassment
Metro Employees That "Holla"

I'm sick of this harassment culture on Metro. Sick and tired of it.

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LillyC · 719 weeks ago

Unfortunately "the Creeper" that had groped me does not fit either these descriptions. My encounter happened on June 3rd. A middle eastern man, (I want to say Armenian) in his late 40's was acting strange towards me, being polite and nice. When I got off my station, he let me pass by, not without "tickling" my bottom.

I've reported this to Metro, but letting you all know.

Where he encountered/sat next to me: Orange line, Metro Center.
Where the "tickle/grope" happened: Vienna sq Metro station.
How he looked at the time: 5' 10" Armenian middle eastern man who was wearing a white stripped, short sleeved button up shirt. Hair was graying with a receding/ balding hairline. Heavily bushy mustache and Glasses.

He was also carrying a Red rolling backpack.

Just getting the word out there.