Ravenwood - 08/02/04 06:15 AM
Washington D.C. has one of the highest crime rates in the nation. That might have something to do with cops that waste their time harrassing people over illegal candy bars.
Hansen says Stephanie Willett, 45, of Bowie, Md., had been warned several times not to eat in the Metro.Willett didn't make the situation any better by mouthing off to the cop who was harrassing her. She ended up spending several hours in jail over the incident which is an incredible waste of police resources.The scientist from the Environmental Protection Agency was finishing up the PayDay candy before entering the station when she was arrested.
"She would not stop to allow the policewoman to issue a citation. And, this could have all been averted if the woman had first of all, not violated the law. It is against the law to eat, drink, smoke in the Metro system," Hanson says. "Transit police officers do have the uncomfortable task of enforcing those minor violations."
I haven't quite figured out the motive yet, but I think this might all be part of the grand scheme to chase Metro riders away.
Ravenwood, have you smelled the bug spray in Metro in the morning? Have you ridden the Metro lately? As someone who takes it to work every day, I think she got off too lightly. The arresting officer *tried* to give her a warning but, as you noted, she mouthed off to the cop. Ask any cop: People frequently talk themselves into more trouble than they originally were in.
Posted by: Victor at August 4, 2004 12:57 PMI used to take Metro every day but it got to be too expensive. Plus it takes me 15 minutes longer to get to work. Still, I'd rather smell bug spray than get mugged. Crimes like littering and illegal eating should always take a back seat to violent crime. In case you haven't noticed, D.C. is full of violent crime.
Still, you have a point. Guliani cleaned up New York City by targeting petty crime like larceny and vandalism. It had a trickle down effect on much more serious crime.
Posted by: Ravenwood at August 4, 2004 1:43 PMDo Metro trains ever break down? Do passengers ever get delayed for lengthy periods on overcrowded and hot trains? I used to on the London tube. Not being allowed to drink water in those conditions is asking for trouble.
Regards
They are overcrowded and hot sometimes. Breakdowns are pretty rare, but I've been on trains that were delayed for 20-30 minutes due to flooding on the tracks.
Posted by: Ravenwood at August 7, 2004 12:12 PM(c) Ravenwood and Associates, 1990 - 2014
