Phoenix Police arrest Valley Metro operator
Jun 16, 2013, 5:50 PM | Updated: 5:51 pm
PHOENIX — A Valley Metro bus operator is in police custody following an alleged assault.
Phoenix Police say Todd Allen Shields exchanged words with a man, physically threw him off the bus and assaulted him Friday after the victim presented a reduced fare card for passengers under the age of 18 but appeared to be older.
It happened around 11:45 a.m. on June 14 in the area of 19th Avenue and Montebello.
After investigating officers arrested Shields and charged him with one count of assault, one count of disorderly conduct and one count of criminal damages. All of the charges are misdemeanors.
The 21-year-old man’s injuries were minor but police say Shields broke the man’s cell phone.
Shields is a Valley Metro operator, employed by Veolia Transportation Services, which contracts with the City of Phoenix to manage bus service, according to a press release.
