Rex Allen Basswood

The following is based on your complainant’s review of the reports of other officers and your complainant’s own investigation: On May 6, 2026, at shortly after 5:00pm, Metro Transit Police responded to the Fairview LRT station on a report of assault that had occurred at the LRT station at Snelling and University Aves., St. Paul, Ramsey County. On arrival, officers met with NJM ([DOB REDACTED]). He said that while riding an A Line bus along Snelling, he noticed that a jacket being carried by a fellow passenger appeared to have a store security tag still attached.

He said that he mentioned to the other passenger that the store may have accidentally failed to remove the tag. He said that the other passenger did not respond at the time. He said that he exited the bus at Snelling and University and boarded a Green Line light-rail train. He said that the other passenger followed him, approached, and then “backhanded” him in the chin. He said that he (NJM) snapped back into the seat, as the other passenger ran off the train. NJM said that his neck and chin were sore from the incident.

Surveillance video was recovered; it corroborates NJM’s account. The assailant was identified as the defendant, REX ALLEN BASSWOOD ([DOB REDACTED]). He has distinctive tattoos that can be seen in the video. The defendant's criminal record includes a 2024 conviction for Assault in the Fourth Degree – Gross Misdemeanor (Case No. ••-CR-••-••••) and a 2023 conviction for Assault in the Fifth Degree – Misdemeanor (Case No. 62-CR-23-96). The defendant faces pending charges for Murder in the Second Degree.

He is currently in custody.