Crime & Safety

MARTA Police Arrest Suspect in Battery Against Elderly Customer

Atlanta man charged with simple battery in connection with recent incident involving a 68-year-old customer who was forcibly removed from a train.

MARTA police announced the Thursday arrest of Loren Hooks, of Atlanta, on a simple battery charge in connection with the June 7 incident involving a 68-year-old customer who was forcibly removed from a train stopped at the East Lake rail station.

Hooks, 43, has been transported to the DeKalb County Jail.  

The incident was captured by a passenger via cellphone, who shared the video on YouTube. Witnesses said the elderly man was making inappropriate comments to the female passengers around him, when a younger man grabbed the older man and pushed him out the doors at the station.

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MARTA officials communicated that they appreciate the tips and other assistance they have received from witnesses who provided information about this incident.

Customers can always dial 404-848-4911 to report an emergency or, when using the rail system, simply pick up the marked, customer assistance phones on the platform.

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Intercom units are located inside every rail car and can be used to notify the train operator. All customers with smartphones should also download MARTA’s free “See & Say” app that enables them to contact MARTA Police and snap a picture discreetly.




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