Two security officers who got into a violent struggle with a passenger aboard a trolley passing through La Mesa last week have been fired over the incident, Metropolitan Transit System officials said Friday.
The Aug. 18 scuffle on the light-rail line also prompted the transportation agency to initiate a review of its security and use-of-force policies, MTS spokesman Rob Schupp said.
The man allegedly beaten by the guards, Felipe Vedoy, 25, told 10 News the dispute began when one of them saw him rolling a cigarette before boarding the tram. The officer told him he couldn’t smoke on the trolley, and Vedoy said he didn’t intend to, he told the news station.
After Vedoy boarded, the security employee and another officer confronted him, and the altercation broke out.
The incident “never should have happened,” according to MTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski.
“We do not tolerate that kind of behavior,” Jablonski said.
On Aug. 21, the transit agency forwarded surveillance-camera footage of the fight to the La Mesa Police Department, which is reviewing the case to determine if criminal charges are warranted, Schupp said.
Two days ago, Vedoy was jailed on suspicion of an unrelated parole violation, according to police.
— City News Service
