On 1/13/2026, at about 0932 hours, Metro Transit police responded to an assault that occurred on a Green-Line train that was now stopped at the Dale Street LRT platform in St. Paul, Ramsey County. While police were en route, dispatch provided photos of the transgender suspect and advised that the suspect sprayed Mace on the train, had exited, and was running towards the Wendy's parking lot. Upon arrival, Police spotted the suspect behind Wendy's, detained them, and identified them as Jonnell Deshaun GRUBBS ([DOB REDACTED]). During a search incident to arrest, Police found a small pink can of Mace in a bag they were carrying.
Police spoke to “AC”; a female trip agent who had been affected by the pepper spray. She said GRUBBS boarded the train at Lexington. Trip agents requested the fare, they did not provide it, and GRUBBS was asked to get off the train at Dale. GRUBBS became very vocal, used foul language, and said “[The Police] ain't gonna do s*** to me." GRUBBS then pulled out pepper spray and sprayed it into the air. AC said some of the spray affected her eye. GRUBBS then pulled the emergency door lever causing the train to stop at Dale and fled the scene towards Wendy's Upon arrival at the LEC, GRUBBS was uncooperative, said they had ingested narcotics, and was transported to Regions Hospital.
Once medically cleared, GRUBBS became very upset, shouted that they were overdosing again, and continued to be disorderly. With the assistance of jail staff, GRUBBS was booked at the LEC. A review of the train’s CCTV confirmed GRUBBS’ identity. It also showed GRUBBS refusing to exit, removing the pink can of Mace from a bag, and spraying the Mace into the air. GRUBBS also told passengers that there was more where that came from. During a post-Miranda interview, GRUBBS admitted that the CCTV showed them and said the Trip agent didn't give them enough time to provide a fare.
GRUBBS denied having Mace or spraying the Mace on the train despite the video clearly showing it. GRUBBS acknowledged that they are prohibited from possessing a pistol due to previous convictions. GRUBBS had already been issued a trespass notice on 01/01/2026 that prohibited them from being on a Metro Transit light rail train. GRUBBS has a previous felony conviction for 3rd Degree Assault (••-CR-••-••••) which makes them ineligible to possess a firearm. For purposes of Rule 6.02, GRUBBS has an open felony case for Theft (••-CR-••-••••) and a previous GM conviction for Carry/Possess Pistol w/out Permit (••-CR-••-••••).
