Elderly Man Attacked While Waiting for Train
Security footage captured a violent and unprovoked assault on an 84-year-old man at the 12th Street and Washington light rail station in Phoenix. The incident, which occurred last year, showed the elderly man waiting for his train when a 48-year-old attacker, later identified as Michael Johnson, began punching him. The attacker struck the victim three times in the head, causing him to fall to the ground. Once down, the victim was hit again in the face.
After the initial assault, Johnson briefly walked away but quickly returned to the scene. Video evidence showed him attacking another passenger before coming back to strike the elderly man in the chest. The brutal attack left the victim with severe injuries, including brain trauma, broken ribs, and facial fractures.
Perpetrator Sentenced to Prison
Michael Johnson, the man responsible for the assault, pled guilty to charges of aggravated assault. He has since been sentenced to five years in prison. The injuries sustained by the elderly victim were extensive, leaving him with permanent damage. According to his attorney, the victim bled profusely at the scene and endured significant pain and suffering as a result of the attack.
Light Rail Safety Under Scrutiny
This incident is one of many highlighting safety concerns on the Phoenix light rail system. A report by Valley Metro, obtained by ABC15, revealed that there were 13 felony assaults on the light rail during the first half of 2023. The total number of assaults during this period further emphasizes the growing problem of violence on public transportation in Phoenix.
Councilman Jim Waring has expressed concerns about the rising violence on the light rail, labeling the frequency of such attacks as “ridiculous.” Waring emphasized the importance of improving safety for passengers, particularly vulnerable individuals who rely on the service as a primary mode of transportation.
Lawsuit Filed Against Security Provider
The victim’s attorney has filed a lawsuit against Allied Universal, the security company responsible for safety on the light rail system. The lawsuit alleges negligence, highlighting gaps in security that allowed the assault to occur. During previous council meetings, it was noted that the security provider had issues maintaining adequate staffing levels. At the time of the assault, there was reportedly a high turnover rate among field security guards, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the company’s oversight.
Calls for Improved Security Measures
The victim’s legal team and local officials are pushing for stronger security measures on the light rail. Witnesses to the attack have come forward, sharing their accounts to shed light on the urgent need for action. While the lawsuit seeks justice for the victim, it also aims to bring about systemic changes to enhance the safety of all passengers.
Phoenix residents and officials hope this case will lead to meaningful reforms. Many argue that enhanced surveillance, better-trained security personnel, and a more robust presence of guards could help deter similar incidents in the future. As public transportation is often a critical lifeline for many, especially the elderly and other vulnerable populations, ensuring their safety has become a pressing concern for the city.
