WASHINGTON — An anti-violence watchdog group is focusing its efforts on Metro after a number of violent attacks in recent weeks, including robberies and beatings.
“It’s getting to the point where people are afraid to ride Metro,” says John Ayala, leader of the D.C. Guardian Angels.
“Right now they feel like, if they go on the Metro, ‘Am I going to have my cellphone snatched from me? Am I going to get beat? Am I going to get stabbed?'”
His group of volunteers plans to increase its presence on the Metro system through the weekend.
He says it’s hoped the group will provide some comfort to passengers and act as a deterrent to violent crime.
“We want to be the ones who can get up and call 911,” Ayala says. “And if we do see someone being attacked, we won’t hesitate to physically get involved, detain the person and turn them over to the police.”
Some members of the group will be in uniform, wearing red berets and Guardian Angels shirts. Others will be in plain clothes.
Ayala is also hoping to recruit more members of the community to join his group. He urges anyone who is interested to call 202-359-0601.
